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Dormice: meaning, definitions and examples

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dormice

 

[ ˈdɔːrmaɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal species

Dormice are small rodents belonging to the family Gliridae, native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. They are recognized for their large eyes, fur-covered bodies, and typically hibernating behavior, which allows them to survive cold seasons by entering a state of dormancy. The common dormouse, one of the most well-known species, is often found in woodlands and is notable for its long periods of sleep during hibernation. Dormice are primarily nocturnal, foraging for seeds, nuts, and insects during the night. Their habitats and behaviors make them a fascinating subject of study in ecology and wildlife biology.

Synonyms

glirid, sleepy rodent

Examples of usage

  • Dormice hibernate during the winter months.
  • The common dormouse is a protected species in the UK.
  • We spotted a dormouse in the trees while hiking.
  • Dormice have a diet that includes fruits and nuts.

Translations

Translations of the word "dormice" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esquilo

🇮🇳 स्लीपिंग माउस

🇩🇪 Schlafmaus

🇮🇩 mouse tidur

🇺🇦 сонна миша

🇵🇱 mysz sypiająca

🇯🇵 ハツカネズミ

🇫🇷 dormouse

🇪🇸 ratón durmiente

🇹🇷 uyku faresi

🇰🇷 잠자는 쥐

🇸🇦 فأر نائم

🇨🇿 spící myš

🇸🇰 spiaca myš

🇨🇳 睡鼠

🇸🇮 spalna miš

🇮🇸 svefn mús

🇰🇿 ұйқылы тышқан

🇬🇪 ძილი მელა

🇦🇿 yatmış siçan

🇲🇽 ratón dormilón

Word origin

The word 'dormice' comes from the Latin word 'dormire', which means 'to sleep'. This is a reference to the long periods of hibernation that these creatures undergo. The term has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe these small, nocturnal rodents. Historically, dormice were not only acknowledged for their unique sleeping habits but also for their culinary value in Roman times, where they were considered a delicacy and often served up roasted at feasts. The Latin origins of the word reflect the deep-rooted connection between these animals and their behavior, as they are largely inactive during the colder months. Over time, dormice have become symbols of hibernation and seasonal change, captivating both researchers and nature lovers alike.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,313, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.