kangaroo rat

noun

1. any of various small jumping rodents of the family Heteromyidae, of Mexico and the western U.S.

2. an Australian desert rodent of the genus Notomys.

kangaroo rat

noun

1. any small leaping rodent of the genus Dipodomys, related to the squirrels and inhabiting desert regions of North America, having a stocky body and very long hind legs and tails: family Heteromyidae

2. Also called: kangaroo mouse. any of several leaping murine rodents of the Australian genus Notomys

Word History and Origins

Origin of kangaroo rat¹

First recorded in 1780–90