rodent

American  

[rohd-nt] / ˈroʊd nt /

adjective

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

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noun

1. a rodent mammal.

rodent British  

/ 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

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rodent Scientific  

/ rōd′nt /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• rodent-like adjective
• rodentlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of rodent

1825–35; < New Latin Rodentia Rodentia

Example Sentences

On stages across North America, two of the most recognizable voices in Mexican music are performing under a surprising banner: the world’s largest rodent.

From The Wall Street Journal

His official biography on the Downing Street website says apart from rodent control: "Larry spends his days greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality."

From Barron's

"Good thing a worm isn't a rodent," Sam said, patting his box.

From Literature

“Did you give that rodent my pajama top?”

From Literature

With it came the sense that surely these rodents had no purpose other than to provide a dragon's dinner.

From Literature