Pronunciation: [mˈiːlz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "meles" may seem confusing at first, but it can be properly pronounced with the help of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). According to the IPA, "meles" should be pronounced as /ˈmɛliːz/. This means that the word is primarily made up of the sounds /m/, /ɛ/, /l/, /i/, and /z/. The proper use of IPA can help clarify confusing spellings and aid in more accurate pronunciation.
Meles is a noun that refers to a genus of mammals belonging to the family Mustelidae, commonly known as badgers. This genus consists of various species of badgers found in Eurasia, including Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Meles badgers are characterized by their stout body, short legs, and their distinctive black and white facial markings.
Meles is primarily nocturnal, being active mainly during the night, and possesses excellent burrowing abilities due to its strong forelimbs and long claws. These animals predominantly inhabit forested areas, woodlands, and grasslands, where they dig elaborate burrows that serve as their homes. Meles badgers are omnivorous, feeding on a wide range of food sources, including earthworms, insects, small mammals, fruits, fungi, and roots.
The term "meles" can also be used to refer to an individual badger that belongs to the Meles genus, where it can be used synonymously with the more general term "badger." In this context, "meles" typically emphasizes the particular characteristics and behaviors associated with badgers of the Meles genus.
In summary, meles is a word that denotes a genus of badgers found in Eurasia and parts of Africa. It can refer to both the genus as a whole or to an individual badger belonging to the Meles genus.
The word meles has its etymology from Latin. It comes from the Latin word meles, which means badger. The Latin word was derived from the earlier Proto-Indo-European root word *mel, which also meant badger. The word meles is still used in scientific names for the Eurasian badger genus Meles.
