Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small rodent species: Mus musculus is the scientific name for the common house mouse, a small mammal with brownish-grey fur, originally from the Old World (Asia) but now found globally.
   • A widespread household pest: It refers specifically to the species of mouse that commonly lives in close association with humans, inhabiting buildings and consuming stored food.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The biology class studied the anatomy of Mus musculus.
  • An infestation of Mus musculus can cause significant damage to food supplies.

Advanced Usage

• In scientific context: The binomial nomenclature is always italicized in academic writing to indicate it is a scientific name. The genus name () is capitalized, while the species epithet () is not.
  • The laboratory study used a strain of Mus musculus bred for genetic research.

Variants and Related Words

• House mouse: The common English name for .
• Murine (adj): Of or relating to mice or rats.
  • Murine behavior was observed in the study.

Synonyms

• House mouse
• Common mouse

Notes on Meaning

• refers exclusively to this specific biological species. It is not a general term for any small rodent. Other similar-looking rodents, such as field mice or rats, belong to different species.

Noun

1. brownish-grey Old World mouse now a common household pest worldwide