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Rodent: meaning, definitions and examples

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rodent

[หˆrษ™สŠdnt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

small mammal

A rodent is a small mammal characterized by two continuously growing incisors in the upper and lower jaws. They make up the largest group of mammals, with over 2,000 species, and are found all over the world except for Antarctica.

Synonyms

chipmunk, mouse, rat, squirrel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rodent

Used as a general term for small mammals like mice, rats, and squirrels that have sharp front teeth.

  • Rodents are often found in various habitats including forests and urban areas
mouse

Commonly used for a small rodent with a pointed nose, small ears, and a long tail, often found in homes and fields.

  • There is a mouse in the kitchen looking for crumbs
rat

Typically used for a larger rodent known for living in urban areas and often associated with negative connotations such as disease.

  • Rats are common in the city and can be a health hazard if not controlled
squirrel

Used to describe a rodent with a fluffy tail, often seen in trees and parks, collecting nuts.

  • The squirrel quickly climbed the tree to hide its acorn
chipmunk

Used when referring to small, striped rodents often found in North America, known for their playful nature.

  • I saw a chipmunk gathering acorns in the park

Examples of usage

  • Rats and mice are common rodents found in urban areas.
  • Squirrels and chipmunks are also considered rodents.
Context #2 | Noun

annoying person

In slang, a rodent can be used to describe a person who is annoying, pesky, or bothersome. It is often used in a derogatory manner.

Synonyms

nuisance, pest, troublemaker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rodent

Useful in scientific, medical, or general contexts when referring to small gnawing mammals such as mice, rats, or squirrels.

  • The scientist studied the behavior of the rodent
  • Rodents can carry various diseases
pest

Typically used to describe animals, usually insects, that cause harm or annoyance, especially with regards to crops and homes.

  • Farmers often use pesticides to get rid of pests
  • Ants can be persistent pests in the kitchen
nuisance

A generally negative term used to describe something or someone that causes inconvenience, annoyance, or trouble.

  • The loud party next door was a real nuisance
  • Mosquitoes can be such a nuisance in the summer
troublemaker

A negative term used to describe a person or entity that causes problems, disruption, or trouble.

  • The new student was quickly labeled a troublemaker by the teachers
  • The neighbor's dog is such a troublemaker, always digging up our garden

Examples of usage

  • I can't stand that guy, he's such a rodent.
  • Don't be a rodent and ruin the party for everyone else.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'rodent' comes from the Latin word 'rodere', which means 'to gnaw'.
  • Rodents are scientifically classified in the order Rodentia, which is the largest group of mammals.
  • The term was first used in the 17th century to describe animals known for their gnawing teeth.

Biology

  • Rodents have continuously growing front teeth that require constant gnawing to keep them from becoming too long.
  • They make up about 40% of all mammal species, showing their diverse adaptations in various environments.
  • Some species, like the capybara, can weigh over 100 pounds, while others, like the pygmy mouse, can weigh as little as 10 grams.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, rodents appear in folklore, such as the story of the Pied Piper, where a rat catcher is a hero.
  • They are often used as characters in children's literature, like in 'The Tale of Despereaux'.
  • Some societies view rodents as pests, while others keep them as pets, like hamsters and guinea pigs.

Pop Culture

  • Mice are iconic in animation, with characters like Mickey Mouse and Stuart Little captivating audiences worldwide.
  • The video game franchise 'Sonic the Hedgehog' features a character named Dr. Robotnik, known for his conflict with giant mutant rodents.
  • In the movie 'Ratatouille', a rat aspires to become a chef, challenging typical views on rodents.

Environmental Impact

  • Rodents play a crucial role in ecosystems as they help in seed dispersal, contributing to plant biodiversity.
  • Some species are known for their burrowing habits, which can help aerate the soil and improve its quality.
  • However, certain rodent populations can become invasive, threatening native plant and animal life.

Translations

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Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,492, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.