monotreme

/ˌmɑnəˈtrim/

Other forms: monotremes

Definitions of monotreme

1. noun

   the most primitive mammals comprising the only extant members of the subclass Prototheria
   synonyms: egg-laying mammal

   types:

   anteater, echidna, spiny anteater

   a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to Australia

   anteater, echidna, spiny anteater

   a burrowing monotreme mammal covered with spines and having a long snout and claws for hunting ants and termites; native to New Guinea

   Ornithorhynchus anatinus, duck-billed platypus, duckbill, duckbilled platypus, platypus

   small densely furred aquatic monotreme of Australia and Tasmania having a broad bill and tail and webbed feet; only species in the family Ornithorhynchidae

   type of:

   prototherian

   primitive oviparous mammals found only in Australia and Tasmania and New Guinea