ground squirrel

noun

any of several terrestrial rodents of the squirrel family, as of the genus Citellus and chipmunks of the genus Tamias. circ;circ;

ground squirrel

any burrowing sciurine rodent of the genus Citellus and related genera, resembling chipmunks and occurring in North America, E Europe, and Asia Also calledgopher

An Americanism dating back to 1680–90

In a world of perpetual threats, even something like a ground squirrel staring at you slightly askance could be cause for concern.

From Ozy

The ground squirrel, or chipmunk, digs holes in the ground, where he hides his winter's store of grain and nuts.

A new subspecies of ground squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma) from Tamaulipas,Mexico.

A ground squirrel jumped to the end of a rotting log some yards away but at sight of him shrieked and darted in again.

The ground squirrel and kangaroo rat were found by us on only the sandy areas where there were xerophitic shrubs.

A ground squirrel shook the laurel-bush at her side, so that its buds brushed her shoulder.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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