Definition

Noun A species of relatively large shrew native to North America, characterized by a tail that is significantly shorter than half the length of its body. It is commonly known as the short-tailed shrew.

Usage

The term is used as a formal, scientific name to specifically identify this species of mammal in zoological, biological, or ecological contexts. * The Blarina brevicauda is one of the few venomous mammals. * Researchers are studying the population density of Blarina brevicauda in this forest ecosystem.

Advanced Usage

• The genus name Blarina is often used in taxonomic classification, with being the most common species.
  • The genus Blarina is part of the family Soricidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Short-tailed shrew: The common name for .
  • We found a short-tailed shrew in the leaf litter.
• Shrew: The general term for small, insectivorous mammals of the family Soricidae, which includes .

Synonyms

• Short-tailed shrew

Different Meanings

This term has only one specific meaning: it refers exclusively to this particular biological species. It is not used in general or figurative language.

Noun

1. North American shrew with tail less than half its body length