armadillo

 
Pronunciation: /ˌɑːməˈdɪləʊ/

noun (plural armadillos)

  • a nocturnal insectivorous mammal that has large claws for digging and a body covered in bony plates. Armadillos are native to Central and South America and one kind is spreading into the southern US.
    • Family Dasypodidae, order Xenarthra (or Edentata): several genera

Origin:

late 16th century: from Spanish, diminutive of armado 'armed man', from Latin armatus, past participle of armare 'to arm'