Echidna \E*chid"na\, n. [L., a viper, adder, Gr. ?.]
1. (Gr. Myth.) A monster, half maid and half serpent.
2. (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}.