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Lemming: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿน
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lemming

 

[ หˆlษ›mษชล‹ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal species

A lemming is a small rodent found in the Arctic and Subarctic regions, particularly known for its distinctive behavior and large populations. These animals are typically characterized by their short tails, compact bodies, and fur that varies in color depending on the season. They play a significant role in the ecosystem as prey for larger animals and are known for their episodic population booms and declines. Lemmings have become famously associated with the myth of mass suicide; however, this misconception stems from misunderstandings about their migratory behavior and environmental pressures.

Synonyms

mammal, rodent

Examples of usage

  • The lemming population surged this year.
  • Lemmings are often mistaken for other small rodents.
  • During migration, lemmings can travel over great distances.
  • The lemming's fur changes color with the seasons.

Translations

Translations of the word "lemming" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น lemming

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฒเฅ‡เคฎเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Lemming

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ lemming

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปะตะผั–ะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ lemming

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒฌใƒŸใƒณใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท lemming

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ lemming

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท lemming

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ ˆ๋ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู„ูŠู…ูŠู†ุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lemming

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ lemming

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ—…้ผ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ lemming

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lemming

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะปะตะผะผะธะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒ”แƒ›แƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lemming

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ lemming

Etymology

The word 'lemming' comes from the Norwegian word 'lemming', which is related to the Old Norse term 'lema', meaning 'to stick' or 'to cling'. The term was adopted into the English language in the late 19th century, primarily to describe these small, burrowing rodents that are native to the Arctic tundra. Over time, the word has gained notoriety beyond its zoological meaning due to the widespread belief that lemmings engage in mass suicide during migrations. This belief was popularized by documentaries and media portrayals that sensationalized their behavior. In reality, lemmings display periodic population fluctuations and move to new areas in search of food, which can sometimes paradoxically lead to them crossing dangerous terrains. The lemming's unique ecological role and its mischaracterization in popular culture have made it a symbol of misunderstood animal behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,887 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.