The Collaborative International Dictionary
porcupine ant-eater
Echidna \E*chid"na\ ([-e]*k[i^]d"n[.a]), n. [L., a viper, adder, Gr. 'e`chidna.]
(Gr. Myth.) A monster, half maid and half serpent.
(Zo["o]l.) A genus of Monotremata found in Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. They are toothless and covered with spines; -- called also porcupine ant-eater, and Australian ant-eater.