E*chid"na (?), n. [L., a viper, adder, Gr. .]
1. Gr. Myth.
A monster, half maid and half serpent.
2. Zool.
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.
© Webster 1913.