: any of various short-eared small lagomorph mammals (family Ochotonidae) of rocky uplands of Asia and western North America with relatively short hind legs
called alsoconey, rock rabbit
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Even the diminutive pika, after all, has a critical role to play.—Sulmaan Khan, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2014 Once reaching the talus slopes along the top of the highest points, American pikas run in all directions, including between rocks below the trail.—Estes Park Trail-Gazette, The Denver Post, 6 Aug. 2024 The pika was accused of being a pest that destroyed grasslands.—Sulmaan Khan, Foreign Affairs, 18 July 2014 Other animals that live at high elevations are also in peril due to climate change, including wolverines and American pikas.—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for pika
Word History
Etymology
perhaps from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia)
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