Vombatidae (Phascolomyidae; wombats; order Marsupialia (or Diprotodontia), superfamily Vombatoidea) A family of large, burrowing, largely nocturnal marsupials in which the incisors and cheek teeth grow continually. The body is broad and flattened, the head large and flat, and the limbs pentadactyl, short and stout, with broad, naked soles to the feet. The tail is vestigial. Wombats occur in southern and south-eastern Australia, Flinders Island, and Tasmania. There are three species, Vombatus ursinus (common wombat), Lasiorhinus latifrons (hairy-nosed wombat), and L. barnardi (Queensland hairy-nosed wombat), of which only 60 individuals are known to be surviving at present.

wombat Either of two species of large, rodent-like marsupial mammals of se Australia and Tasmania. Both species are herbivorous, primarily nocturnal, and live in extensive burrows. The common wombat (Vombatus ursinus) has coarse black hair and small ears. The hairy-nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) has finer, grey fur and large ears. Length: to 1.2m (3.9ft). Family Vombatidae.

wom·bat / ˈwämˌbat/ • n. a burrowing plant-eating Australian marsupial (family Vombatidae) that resembles a small bear with short legs. Two genera and three species include the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus).

wombat See VOMBATIDAE.

wombat burrowing marsupial. XVIII. Austral. aboriginal word.