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Vole: meaning, definitions and examples

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vole

 

[voʊl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

small mammal

A vole is a small rodent that is similar to a mouse but with a stouter body, a shorter tail, and a rounder head. Voles are known for their underground burrows and their tendency to cause damage to gardens and crops.

Synonyms

field mouse, rodent, shrew.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vole

Typically used in scientific or educational contexts to refer to small, burrowing rodents. Also common in conversations about gardening or nature.

  • The vole created tunnels throughout the garden
  • Scientists are studying the behavior of the vole in its natural habitat
rodent

A broad term used in scientific, educational, and everyday language to refer to a group of small mammals, including mice, rats, squirrels, etc. It can have a neutral to slightly negative connotation depending on context.

  • Rodents are known for their ever-growing incisors
  • The house had a serious rodent problem that needed professional attention
field mouse

Commonly used when talking about small mice found in fields or countryside areas. Often seen in discussions about rural environments or pest control.

  • We spotted a field mouse darting through the grass
  • Field mice can sometimes invade homes in rural areas
shrew

Used more specifically when talking about small insectivorous mammals resembling mice. Often found in scientific or nature-related discussions.

  • The shrew is incredibly active mostly during the night
  • Shrews can eat their own body weight in insects every day

Examples of usage

  • The farmer was frustrated to find voles had been eating his vegetables.
  • Voles are active mostly at night, making them hard to spot.
Context #2 | Noun

voting system

In certain countries, a vole is a person who votes illegally at more than one polling station in the same election. This act is considered fraudulent and undermines the integrity of the electoral process.

Synonyms

ballot rigger, electoral fraudster.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vole

This refers to a small rodent that is similar to a mouse. It is usually used in discussions about wildlife, nature, or biology.

  • We saw a vole scurrying through the grass near the riverbank.
  • Voles often create extensive underground burrow systems.
electoral fraudster

This term describes a person who engages in illegal activities to influence the outcome of an election. It is used in a legal or political context and has a negative connotation.

  • The electoral fraudster was arrested after the fake ballots were discovered.
  • Voters were outraged when the electoral fraudster's tactics came to light.
ballot rigger

This term is used to describe someone who illegally manipulates the process of voting to achieve a desired outcome. It has a negative connotation and is often used in discussions about election fraud.

  • The investigation revealed that he was a ballot rigger who tampered with the votes.
  • She was accused of being a ballot rigger during the mayoral election.

Examples of usage

  • Authorities are investigating allegations of voles casting multiple votes in the recent election.
  • Strict measures are in place to prevent vole fraud during the voting process.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'vole' comes from the Old French word 'vòl' which referred to a field mouse.
  • It entered the English language in the 16th century, showcasing its longstanding presence in fields.
  • The term 'vole' is used for various species within the subfamily Arvicolinae, which shows the diversity within the group.

Ecology

  • Voles play a significant role in the ecosystem as they are key prey for many predators, including owls, hawks, and snakes.
  • Their burrowing practices help aerate the soil and promote plant growth, contributing to a healthy habitat.
  • They are known for their high reproductive rates, with a single female able to produce multiple litters in a year, which can lead to population explosions.

Culture

  • In some cultures, the vole is seen as a symbol of resourcefulness due to its ability to thrive in diverse environments.
  • Voles have appeared in various children’s literature as whimsical characters, often depicting friendship and adventure.
  • In folklore, some regions tell tales of voles outsmarting larger animals, reinforcing cleverness as a strength in nature.

Behavior

  • Voles are known for their distinctive tunnel systems, which they create underground for safety and food storage.
  • Unlike some other rodents, voles tend to be social and often share their burrows with family members.
  • Their diet consists mainly of grasses, seeds, and roots, making them important seed dispersers in their habitats.

Conservation

  • Some vole species are considered threatened due to habitat loss, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
  • Wetland voles are vital for maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity.
  • Preserving their environments helps ensure the balance of the food chain in various ecosystems.

Translations

Translations of the word "vole" in other languages:

🇵🇹 campagnol

🇮🇳 वोल (छोटा कृंतक)

🇩🇪 Wühlmaus

🇮🇩 tikus tanah

🇺🇦 полівка

🇵🇱 nornica

🇯🇵 ハタネズミ

🇫🇷 campagnol

🇪🇸 topillo

🇹🇷 tarla faresi

🇰🇷 들쥐

🇸🇦 فأر الحقل

🇨🇿 hraboš

🇸🇰 hraboš

🇨🇳 田鼠

🇸🇮 voluhar

🇮🇸 hagamús

🇰🇿 алақұйрық

🇬🇪 ველური ვირთხა

🇦🇿 tarlamış

🇲🇽 campañol

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,119, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.