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deer mouse
noun
: any of various mice (genus Peromyscus) of North and Central America
especially
: one (P. maniculatus) widely distributed in forests and grasslands of North America
Examples of deer mouse in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The risk can increase when opening or cleaning cabins, sheds, barns or storage buildings in rural areas that have been closed for the winter and where deer mice have entered, experts say.
—Shiv Sudhakar, NBC News, 23 July 2024
Symptoms of hantavirus Particles containing hantavirus get into the air when urine, saliva or poop from deer mice are stirred up, leading to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).
—Shiv Sudhakar, NBC News, 23 July 2024
The respiratory virus is associated with wild rodents, primarily the deer mouse, according to health officials in a Friday news release.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 12 July 2024
The year after the Institute of Medicine's report was published, five healthy young people collapsed and died in the Southwestern U.S. from a hantavirus passed to them by deer mice.
—Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2020
Rosy boas can eat small mammals, such as kangaroo rats and deer mice, according to Web MD.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023
The second is the Peromyscus, also known as the deer mouse.
—Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 12 July 2023
Barberry also provides a good place for white-footed deer mice to hide from predators.
—Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2023
The year after the Institute of Medicine’s report was published, five healthy young people collapsed and died in the Southwestern U.S. from a hantavirus passed to them by deer mice.
—Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2020
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Word History
Etymology
from its agility
First Known Use
1833, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near deer mouse
Cite this Entry
“Deer mouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deer%20mouse. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
deer mouse
noun
: any of numerous North American mice of fields and woodlands
More from Merriam-Webster on deer mouse
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deer mouse
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