-ˌwu̇lf noun
( plural aard·wolves -lvz)
Etymology: Afrikaans, from aard earth + wolf; akin to Old English wulf wolf — more at wolf
: a hyenalike mammal ( Proteles cristatus ) of southern and eastern Africa that has a striped coat, 5-toed forefeet, and a distinct mane, feeds chiefly on carrion and insects (as termites), and is usually placed in the Hyaenidae though formerly separated in another family (Protelidae)
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