1. Plural of edentate; mammals of the order Edentata, characterized by the absence or reduction of teeth, including sloths, anteaters, and armadillos.
Usage: zoology; The order Edentata is now often divided into separate orders; the term remains used in general and educational contexts.

Examples

• Edentates such as anteaters have evolved specialized tongues to capture insects.
• The fossil record shows that edentates diversified significantly in South America.
• Sloths and armadillos are among the most recognizable edentates.
• Many edentates have reduced or absent teeth, relying instead on other feeding adaptations.
• Biologists study edentates to understand mammalian evolution and adaptation.