pangolin

American  

[pang-guh-lin, pang-goh-] / ˈpæŋ gə lɪn, pæŋˈgoʊ- /

noun

1. any mammal of the order Pholidota, of Africa and tropical Asia, having a covering of broad, overlapping, horny scales and feeding on ants and termites.

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pangolin British  

/ pæŋˈɡəʊlɪn /

noun

1. Also called: scaly anteater.  any mammal of the order Pholidota found in tropical Africa, S Asia, and Indonesia, having a body covered with overlapping horny scales and a long snout specialized for feeding on ants and termites

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Etymology

Origin of pangolin

1765–75; < Malay pengguling (dial. or bazaar Malay name for the animal) one who rolls up, equivalent to peng- agentive prefix + guling roll up or around; so called from its habit of curling into a ball when threatened

Example Sentences

Nigeria's porous borders, widespread corruption and weak enforcement have made it a key transit hub for ivory, pangolin scales and other wildlife products.

From BBC

“Now we have hope,” says a scientist who is researching a vaccine using the pangolin’s DNA.

From Salon

They might paint an elephant tusk black, or try to make pangolin scales look like candy or chocolate.

From NewsForKids.net

But no DNA from bats or pangolins turned up in any of the Huanan market samples.

From Los Angeles Times

In urban settings like Singapore, the researchers suggested focusing on medium-sized species such as langurs, pangolins, hornbills and butterflies, which can adapt to urbanised landscapes with proper conservation support.

From Science Daily