Definition

Noun 1. A small, common insectivorous mammal: Sorex cinereus is the scientific name for the cinereus shrew or masked shrew, a species of small mammal belonging to the family Soricidae. It is characterized by its pointed snout, tiny eyes, velvety fur, and extremely high metabolic rate.

Usage

• The term is used in formal, scientific, and academic contexts to precisely identify this specific species of shrew. It is the standard binomial nomenclature (genus , species ).
• In everyday language, this animal is more commonly referred to by its non-scientific names, such as the cinereus shrew or the masked shrew.

Examples

• Scientific Context: "The study compared the foraging behavior of with that of ."
• Descriptive Context: " is distinguished by its grayish-brown fur and a tail that is about 50% of its body length."

Advanced Usage

• The name is part of a taxonomic classification system. is the genus, which includes many other shrew species, and is the specific epithet for this particular species.
• In ecological writing, it may be used to discuss the species' role in an ecosystem: " acts as a primary predator of soil invertebrates in northern forests."

Variants and Related Words

• Cinereus shrew (n): The common English name derived from the species epithet (meaning "ash-colored").
• Masked shrew (n): A widespread common name for this species.
• Shrew (n): The general term for small, insectivorous mammals of the family Soricidae, to which belongs.
• Sorex (n): The genus name.

Synonyms

• Masked shrew
• Cinereus shrew

Note: There are no direct, non-scientific synonyms that are not simply alternative common names for the same species. Terms like "small mammal" or "insectivore" are not precise synonyms.

Noun

1. commonest shrew of moist habitats in North America