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Manis

(Science: zoology) a genus of edentates, covered with large, hard, triangular scales, with sharp edges that overlap each other like tiles on a roof. They inhabit the warmest parts of asia and Africa, and feed on ants.

Synonym: scaly anteater. See pangolin.

Origin: NL, fr. L. Manes the ghosts or shades of the dead. So called from its dismal appearance, and because it seeks for its food by night.