tree shrew

noun

1. any of several insectivorous, arboreal mammals of the family Tupaiidae, of southern Asia and adjacent islands, resembling a squirrel and having a long snout.

tree shrew

noun

1. any of numerous small arboreal mammals of the family Tupaiidae and order Scandentia , of SE Asia, having large eyes and resembling squirrels

Word History and Origins

Origin of tree shrew¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Instead of consuming insects, they collect feces from tree shrews that sit atop their bowl-shaped pitchers and feed on the fatty secretions they produce.

From National Geographic

He is also about to start a new lab at the Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute in Haining, and plans to look for coronaviruses in bats, tree shrews, civets and other mammals, where permitted.

From Nature

These plants appear to have evolved so that their openings fit perfectly under the tree shrew’s behind, and they’re sturdy enough to support the animal’s weight.

From The Verge

Their feet looked more like those of modern tree shrews.

From Scientific American

Others, like ground squirrels and tree shrews, do so relatively often.

From Science Magazine