rodent

[rohd-nt]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the gnawing or nibbling mammals of the order Rodentia, including the mice, squirrels, beavers, etc.

noun

1. a rodent mammal.

rodent

/ ˈrəʊdənt /

noun

1. 1. any of the relatively small placental mammals that constitute the order Rodentia , having constantly growing incisor teeth specialized for gnawing. The group includes porcupines, rats, mice, squirrels, marmots, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      rodent characteristics

rodent

1. Any of various very numerous, mostly small mammals of the order Rodentia, having large front teeth used for gnawing. The teeth grow throughout the animal's life, and are kept from getting too long by gnawing. Rodents make up about half the living species of mammals, and include rats, mice, beavers, squirrels, lemmings, shrews, and hamsters.

Other Word Forms

• rodentlike adjective
• rodent-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rodent¹

1825–35; < New Latin Rodentia Rodentia

Word History and Origins

Origin of rodent¹

C19: from Latin rōdere to gnaw, corrode

Example Sentences

Even female rodents were often left out of trials, as researchers worried that hormonal changes could complicate data analysis.

From BBC

The field of poppies is dazzling; the additional deer, ants and rodents skittering across the golden sidewalk are simply strange.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, he said, those in park housing face safety threats such as hantavirus-carrying rodents that invade living spaces, caving-in roofs and unstable decks.

From Los Angeles Times

It can spread to humans and pets from the bite of an infected flea or from coming into close contact with, or handling, an infected rodent.

From Los Angeles Times

One resident said she believed vegetation was giving the rodents somewhere to hide and the issue must be addressed.

From BBC