Etymology
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armadillo (n.)

burrowing mammal of the American tropics, 1570s, from Spanish armadillo, diminutive of armado "armored," from Latin armatus, past participle of armare "to arm, furnish with weapons," from arma "weapons" (including defensive armor), literally "tools, implements (of war);" see arm (n.2). The animal is so called for its hard, plated shell.

updated on September 25, 2022

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