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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of kangaroo rat

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Besides its namesake, the Chuckwalla lizard, the area is home to bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, kangaroo rats, burrowing owls and jackrabbits.

From Los Angeles Times

The monument’s name comes from the stocky Chuckwalla lizards that frequent the area, which is also home to bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, kangaroo rats, burrowing owls and jackrabbits.

From Los Angeles Times

Yucca moth caterpillars, kangaroo rats and ground squirrels eat their seeds.

From Los Angeles Times

Across the street from his property is open space, where he says he regularly sees owls and kangaroo rats among the grasses and native plants.

From Los Angeles Times

Wayne State University stuck flies on a “treadwheel” to force them to mimic climbing, while Washington State University put kangaroo rats on a treadmill to study how their feet interacted with unfamiliar terrain.

From Washington Times