Burrower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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burrower

[ˈbʌrəʊər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal

An animal, such as a rabbit or a mole, that digs tunnels or burrows underground to live in.

Synonyms

digger, excavator, tunneler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
burrower	This term is often used to describe small animals that dig and create burrows or tunnels. It can also be used informally to describe someone who likes to dig through things or information. The rabbit is an efficient burrower, creating extensive underground homes. He's quite the burrower when it comes to old books and rare manuscripts.
digger	Digger is a more general term that can refer to anyone or anything that digs. This can include animals, people, or machines. It is the most versatile term of the group. The child pretended to be a digger, making holes in the sand at the beach. An excavator is a powerful digger used in construction.
excavator	This word is commonly used to describe heavy machinery used in construction and mining operations for digging up large amounts of earth or rock. It can also refer to professionals who study ancient sites. The excavator moved tons of soil to prepare the site for the new building. An archaeologist is an excavator of ancient civilizations, uncovering artifacts and ruins.
tunneler	This term is specifically used for entities that create tunnels. It can refer to animals, humans, or machines that dig long passages through the ground or other materials. Moles are natural tunnelers, creating intricate networks under the soil. The engineers used a massive tunneler to carve out the new subway line.

Examples of usage

They spotted a burrower digging a tunnel in the field.
The burrower emerged from its burrow to search for food.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person

A person who burrows or digs underground, especially for mining purposes.

Synonyms

digger, excavator, miner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
burrower	This term is often used to describe animals that create tunnels or holes in the ground for shelter or protection. It can also refer to people who dig small tunnels or holes. The rabbit is an expert burrower, creating complex networks of tunnels. Moles are notorious burrowers, often disturbing the soil in gardens.
miner	Specifically refers to a person who works in a mine extracting minerals, such as coal or gold, from the earth. It can also be used figuratively to describe someone who extracts valuable information or resources. After years working as a miner, his lungs were damaged from inhaling coal dust. She’s a data miner, specializing in finding key information hidden in large datasets.
digger	A more general term that can refer to anyone or anything that digs, whether it be an animal or a person. It can also refer to machinery used for digging. During the treasure hunt, Sam used a shovel as a digger to find the buried chest. Dogs are natural diggers, often burying bones they find.
excavator	Usually refers to heavy machinery used for digging and moving large amounts of earth. It can also be used metaphorically for someone who uncovers hidden or forgotten information. The construction site was bustling with the sound of an excavator moving dirt. In her research, she acted as an excavator of historical documents, uncovering long-forgotten events.

Examples of usage

The burrower spent hours underground searching for valuable minerals.
The burrower used specialized equipment to dig deep into the earth.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Wildlife

Common burrowers include rabbits, moles, and some species of rodents, all of which use their burrows for shelter and safety.
Some animals, like the meerkat, not only dig burrows but also live in groups within complex tunnel systems.

Ecology

Burrowing animals help aerate the soil, improving its quality and promoting plant growth.
Their burrows can also create habitats for other creatures, showcasing the interconnectedness of ecosystems.

Cultural References

In children's stories, burrowers are often depicted as playful, sneaky critters that escape trouble by disappearing underground.
Famous burrowers in popular culture include the mischievous rabbit from 'Alice in Wonderland,' who leads Alice down a hole.

Adaptations

Many burrowing animals have specialized claws or teeth adapted for digging, allowing them to effectively create tunnels.
Some species have developed keen senses to navigate underground, where light is minimal and sounds are muffled.

Origin of 'burrower'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'byrgan,' which means to store or to hide.
In the 1700s, the term began being used in English to describe animals that create underground homes.

The term 'burrower' originated from the verb 'burrow', which dates back to the early 16th century. It is derived from the Middle English word 'borowen', meaning to make a hole in the ground. The concept of burrowing has been observed in various animals for centuries, leading to the adaptation of the term to describe both animals and people who dig or excavate underground.