bandicoot

American  

[ban-di-koot] / ˈbæn dɪˌkut /

noun

1. any of several large East Indian rats of the genus Nesokia.

2. any of several insectivorous and herbivorous marsupials of the family Peramelidae, of Australia and New Guinea: some are endangered.

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bandicoot British  

/ ˈbændɪˌkuːt /

noun

1. any agile terrestrial marsupial of the family Peramelidae of Australia and New Guinea. They have a long pointed muzzle and a long tail and feed mainly on small invertebrates

2. any of three burrowing rats of the genera Bandicota and Nesokia , of S and SE Asia: family Muridae

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Etymology

Origin of bandicoot

First recorded in 1780–90, bandicoot is from the Telugu word pandi-kokku pig-rat

Example Sentences

"In Australia, feral cats were most likely the principal cause of extinction of the pig-footed bandicoot, central hare-wallaby, desert bandicoot, lesser bilby and long-tailed hopping-mouse, amongst others."

From Salon • Nov. 26, 2023

Announcing the change in conservation status of the bandicoot on Wednesday, Victoria's Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said she was "excited" about the project's success, adding: "It is an incredible first for Australia."

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2021

Details: Yes, Nintendo is dominating this list, but Mario and pals will have to hand over the kart-racing crowd to the bandicoot.

From Washington Post • Oct. 29, 2019

After those have been erected, locally extinct mammals like the greater bilby, burrowing bettong, Western quoll, and Western barred bandicoot, will be reintroduced.

From National Geographic • Dec. 18, 2017

I liked the man at once, for he reminded me of the bandicoot under the veranda.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan