aardvark

English

/ˈɑːd.vɑːk/, /ˈɑɹd.vɑɹk/

noun
Definitions
  • The nocturnal, insectivorous, burrowing, mammal Orycteropus afer, of the order Tubulidentata, somewhat resembling a pig, common in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
  • (slang) A silly or credulous person who is prone to mistakes or blunders.

Etymology

Borrowed from Afrikaans aardvark derived from Middle Dutch aerde, varken.

Origin

Middle Dutch

varken

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms