Zool. [mod.L., a. Gr. ἔχιδνα viper.] A genus of Australian toothless burrowing monotremate mammals (family Echidnidæ), resembling hedgehogs in size and external appearance. In several points their structure is allied to that of birds. The best-known species is E. Hystrix, the Porcupine Ant-eater.
1847. Carpenter, Zool., § 320. The Echidna, or Porcupine Ant-eater … is about the size and form of a Hedgehog.
