1.
[syn: Insectivora, order Insectivora]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Insectivora \In`sec*tiv"o*ra\, n. pl. [NL., from L. insectum an
insect + vorare to devour.] (Zool.)
1. An order of mammals which feed principally upon insects.
[1913 Webster]
Note: They are mostly of small size, and their molar teeth
have sharp cusps. Most of the species burrow in the
earth, and many of those of cold climates hibernate in
winter. The order includes the moles, shrews,
hedgehogs, tanrecs, and allied animals, also the
colugo.
[1913 Webster]
2. A division of the Chiroptera, including the common or
insect-eating bats.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
Insectivora
n 1: shrews; moles; hedgehogs; tenrecs [syn: Insectivora,
order Insectivora]
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):
INSECTIVORA, n.
"See," cries the chorus of admiring preachers,
"How Providence provides for all His creatures!"
"His care," the gnat said, "even the insects follows:
For us He has provided wrens and swallows."
Sempen Railey