pika

American  

[pahy-kuh] / ˈpaɪ kə /

noun

1. any of several small, brown to gray tailless mammals of the genus Ochotona, resembling rabbits with short ears and legs and inhabiting western mountains of North America and parts of eastern Europe and Asia.

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pika British  

/ ˈpaɪkə /

noun

1. Also called: cony.  any burrowing lagomorph mammal of the family Ochotonidae of mountainous regions of North America and Asia, having short rounded ears, a rounded body, and rudimentary tail

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Etymology

Origin of pika

1820–30; recorded by the German naturalist P.S. Pallas (1741–1811) as the name for the animal in Evenki; compare Evenki (N Baikal dial.) pikačān a name for the tree creeper ( Certhia familiaris ), apparently based on Russian píkatʾ to squeak, peep (compare Russian pishchúkha a name for both the tree creeper and the pika, which emits a shrill sound)

Example Sentences

She worked on bristlecones for years but has added other subjects of study, including the pika, an adorable rabbit-like mammal that thrives in mountain zones.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 13, 2020

For those contributing to citizen science, snagging butterflies or tracking pika gives purpose to their adventures.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2017

But what happens when temperatures at the top become too warm for the pika?

From National Geographic Kids • May 31, 2017

The pika has also been known to consume birds when necessary and has outwitted the Chinese government for over 50 years.

From The Verge • Mar. 6, 2016

On the wildest and most desolate peaks and rock piles is found the cony or pika or "rock rabbit" as it is variously called.

From The Lake of the Sky Lake Tahoe in the High Sierras of California and Nevada, its History, Indians, Discovery by Frémont, Legendary Lore, Various Namings, Physical Characteristics, Glacial Phenomena, Geology, Single Outlet, Automobile Routes, Historic Towns, Early Mining Excitements, Steamer Ride, Mineral Springs, Mountain and Lake Resorts, Trail and Camping Out Trips, Summer Residences, Fishing, Hunting, Flowers, Birds, Animals, Trees, and Chaparral, with a Full Account of the Tahoe National Forest, the Public Use of the Water of Lake Tahoe and Much Other Interesting Matter by James, George Wharton