Squirrel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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squirrel
[ˈskwɜːrəl ]
Definition
animal
A small to medium-sized rodent with a bushy tail, typically feeding on nuts and seeds.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| squirrel |
Often used when talking about the common woodland and urban animal that gathers nuts and has a bushy tail.
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| rodent |
A more scientific or formal term that encompasses all small gnawing mammals, including rats, mice, squirrels, and chipmunks.
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| chipmunk |
Used when referring specifically to the small striped rodents found in forests and backyards.
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| critter |
A colloquial and informal term for any small creature or animal, often used affectionately or playfully.
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Examples of usage
- I saw a squirrel climbing up the tree.
- The squirrel collected acorns for the winter.
- The park is full of squirrels.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Behavior
- Squirrels are known for their astonishing agility, capable of jumping up to 10 times their body length.
- They have a methodical approach to storing nuts, often burying them in various locations to ensure they have enough food for winter.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, squirrels symbolize resourcefulness and preparation due to their instinct to gather food.
- Squirrels are often featured in children's stories and cartoons, symbolizing playfulness and curiosity.
Science
- Squirrels play an essential role in forest ecology by helping to disperse seeds, which promotes new plant growth.
- Their incisors continuously grow throughout their lives, requiring them to gnaw on hard materials to keep them from becoming too long.
Pop Culture
- The character Scrat from the movie 'Ice Age' is a famous anthropomorphic squirrel known for his obsession with acorns.
- Squirrels have been featured in numerous animated films and television shows, often portraying them as clever and mischievous.
Origin of 'squirrel'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'squirrel' comes from the Old French word 'esquirel' and is derived from the Latin 'sciurus', which means 'shadow-tailed'.
- The Greek word 'skiouros' combines 'skia' (shadow) and 'oura' (tail), referring to the animal's distinctive tail often creating shade.
The word 'squirrel' originated from the Middle English word 'squirel', which came from the Anglo-French word 'esquirel'. The Old French term 'escurel' is derived from the Latin word 'sciurus', which in turn is borrowed from the Greek word 'skiouros', meaning 'shadow-tailed'. Squirrels have been known for their agility and bushy tails, making them a popular subject in folklore and children's stories.
See also: squirrels.