mammalian

Everyday

1. (science) To do with mammals, or belonging to the group of animals called mammals. tree →
2. (science) Having the features of a mammal, like hair or fur and feeding young on milk. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on classification, «mammalian» is a formal word for «of mammals»: «mammalian features» include hair, warm blood, and mothers feeding babies with milk. It is used in biology books and documentaries. Phrases: «mammalian species», «mammalian cells», «mammalian features».

Examples

• Bats are the only mammalian animals that can truly fly. tree →
• Hair is a mammalian feature. tree →
• Whales have mammalian lungs and breathe air. tree →
• Scientists studied mammalian cells in the lab. tree →
• The platypus is a strange mammalian creature that lays eggs. tree →
• Our teeth are typically mammalian, with different shapes for different jobs. tree →
• Fossils show early mammalian ancestors lived alongside dinosaurs. tree →
• Most mammalian babies are born live, not from eggs. tree →

Note

Adjective from «mammal». Pronounced «ma-MAY-lee-an». Trap: whales and dolphins are mammals, not fish; bats are mammals, not birds. Not a maths word.