a large, nocturnal, burrowing mammal, Orycteropus afer, of central and southern Africa, feeding on ants and termites and having a long, extensile tongue, strong claws, and long ears.
Origin
1825-35; < Afrikaanserdvark < Dutchaardvarken, equivalent to aardeearth + varken pig; see farrow1
Examples from the web for aardvark
aardvark's counsel would prepare a memorializing agreement.
British Dictionary definitions for aardvark
aardvark
/ˈɑːdˌvɑːk/
noun
1.
a nocturnal mammal, Orycteropus afer, the sole member of its family (Orycteropodidae) and order (Tubulidentata). It inhabits the grasslands of Africa, has long ears and snout, and feeds on termites Also called ant bear
Word Origin
C19: from obsolete Afrikaans, from aarde earth + varken pig
Word Origin and History for aardvark
n.
1833, from Afrikaans Dutch aardvark, literally "earth-pig" (the animal burrows), from aard "earth" (see earth) + vark "pig," cognate with Old High German farah (source of German Ferkel "young pig, sucking pig," a diminutive form), Old English fearh (see farrow).