rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrō-dᵊnt 

1

: any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (such as a mouse, squirrel, or beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge

2

: a small mammal (such as a rabbit or a shrew) other than a true rodent

rodent adjective

Examples of rodent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These adaptable rodents were introduced to North America from southeast Asia aboard ships centuries ago and are now widespread in Arizona. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024

In an interview with Deadline, Corrin, who uses they/them pronouns recalled filming a scene with the rodents swarming their personal space. —Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Specific brain regions involved in triggering thirst are strongly suppressed in hibernating ground squirrels, even during the interim periods where the rodents appear active, according to a study published November 28 in the journal Science. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 28 Nov. 2024

Experts have examined the presence of the rodents in the UAE, where temperatures often reach 113 degrees and high humidity. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from the base of New Latin Rodentia, order name, from neuter plural of Latin rōdent-, rōdens, present participle of rōdere "to gnaw, nibble, eat away," perhaps going back to Indo-European *Hr̥h₃d-, *Hreh₃d-, whence also Hittite ardu- "saw (off)," Sanskrit rádati "(s/he) bites, gnaws, cuts, opens"

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rodent

• rodent ulcer

Kids Definition

rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrōd-ᵊnt 

: any of an order of fairly small mammals (as mice, squirrels, or beavers) that have sharp front teeth used for gnawing

rodent adjective

Etymology

derived from Latin rodent-, rodens, a form of rodere "to gnaw" — related to erode

Medical Definition

rodent

noun

ro·​dent ˈrōd-ᵊnt 

: any mammal (as a mouse or rat) of the order Rodentia

rodent adjective