kangaroo rat

American  

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.

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kangaroo rat British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of kangaroo rat

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

kangaroo rat

Ongoing research into the kangaroo rat, including population documentation and genetic testing, will help inform strategies for preserving the habitat to promote the health of the species.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2023

The reptiles tend to live in burrows of the giant kangaroo rat, highly endangered itself and the main food for the foxes here.

From National Geographic ● Jan. 6, 2021

A sidewinder waits for its dinner: It sits in ambush until a kangaroo rat happens to come hopping by, and then it has a banquet.

From New York Times ● May 17, 2017

Here are two recordings from Jan Randall, one of footrolls among banner-tailed kangaroo rat individuals, and the other of giant kangaroo rats: Namib desert golden mole Eremitalpa granti namibensis: Is just really frikkin’ cute.

From Scientific American ● Mar. 22, 2011

But the cameras revealed no sign of canal builders, no Barsoomian air- cars or short swords, no princesses or fighting men, no thoats, no footprints, not even a cactus or a kangaroo rat.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan