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guinea pig
noun
1
: a small stout-bodied short-eared tailless domesticated rodent (Cavia porcellus) of South American origin often kept as a pet and widely used in biological research
called also cavy
2
: a subject of research, experimentation, or testing
Examples of guinea pig in a Sentence
He volunteered to act as a guinea pig in the experiment.
Recent Examples on the Web
The zoo was officially established in 2005 with rabbits, guinea pigs, goats and pigs.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Spending time with your dogs, cats, guinea pigs, heck, even talking to your goldfish can help lower blood pressure, reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support and boost your mood, says the NIH.
2.
—Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 6 Nov. 2024
Other costumes include Melissa as her guinea pig, Sweet Cheeks, Ms. Inez as The Cat in the Hat, Barbara as a regular cat (with pearls, of course), and Ava as a remarkably fitting Blade.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2024
The evacuation saved the lives of every animal in the shelter—mostly dogs and cats, but Brother Wolf Animal Rescue also cares for smaller furry friends, like guinea pigs and rabbits.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for guinea pig
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Word History
First Known Use
1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near guinea pig
Cite this Entry
“Guinea pig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guinea%20pig. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
guinea pig
noun1
: a small stocky rodent with short ears and a very short tail that is often kept as a pet and is used in biological research
2
: a person or thing experimented on
Medical Definition
guinea pig
noun
guin·ea pig
ˈgin-ē-ˌ
: a small stout-bodied short-eared nearly tailless domesticated rodent of the genus Cavia (C. cobaya) often kept as a pet and widely used in biological research
called also cavy
More from Merriam-Webster on guinea pig
Nglish: Translation of guinea pig for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about guinea pig
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