In-sēe'ti-vōre, n.

n.; pl. IN-SĒE'/TI-VŌRES. [See in-fra.]

1Sense 1. (Zoöl.) One of an order of plantigrade mammals of small size, that feed chiefly upon insects.

☞ The animals of this order have prismatic, sharp-pointed molars and complete clavicles, and generally burrow in the ground. Their fingers are short, and armed with claws. They are found chiefly in the old world. They are, 1. The Soricidæ, or shrews, of a mouse-like form, the hind legs larger than the fore legs, with external ears, and covered with soft hair. 2. The Talpidæ, or moles, also covered with fur, but having no external ears, and with the fore legs larger than the hind. 3. The Aculeata, or hedgehogs, having spines or bristles among the fur. 4. The Tupiadæ, or Scandentia, squirrel-like animals, of which little is known but that they resemble Insectivora. The Galeopithecus has also been included, as forming a fifth family.

2Sense 2. (Ornith.) An order of birds that feed on insects; — so called by Temminck. Brande.