ˈtenˌrek noun
Etymology: French tanrac, tanrec, tenrec, from Malagasy tràndraka, tàndraka
1. also tanrec ˈtanˌ- -s : any of numerous small often spiny insectivorous mammals of the family Tenrecidae of Madagascar ; especially : a tailless insectivore ( Tenrec ecaudatus ) that breeds prolifically and feeds chiefly on earthworms — compare rice tenrec
2. capitalized
[New Latin, from French tenrec ]
: the type genus of the family Tenrecidae