Definition

1. Noun:
   • The type genus of the family Dipodidae: Dipus is a genus of rodents in the family Dipodidae, which includes the typical jerboas. These are small, desert-dwelling mammals known for their long hind legs and tails, adapted for jumping.
   • Typical jerboas having three toes on each hind foot: The defining characteristic of this genus is the presence of three toes on each of their long hind feet, which distinguishes them from other jerboas.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The genus Dipus includes several species of three-toed jerboas.
  • Scientists studied the locomotion of Dipus to understand its adaptations to arid environments.

Advanced Usage

• In taxonomic context: The name is used in scientific classification to refer specifically to this genus.
  • The specimen was keyed out and identified as belonging to the genus Dipus.

Variants and Related Words

• Dipodidae (n): The family of rodents to which the genus belongs, commonly known as jerboas and jumping mice.
• Jerboa (n): The common name for small, jumping rodents in the family Dipodidae, which includes members of the genus .

Synonyms

• Three-toed jerboa: A common descriptive name for animals in the genus .

Notes

• This is a specialized zoological and taxonomic term. It is not commonly used in everyday English conversation but is standard in scientific literature concerning mammalogy or desert ecology.

Noun

1. type genus of the Dipodidae; typical jerboas having three toes on each hind foot