dormice

A family of dormice sleeps curled up in a hollow tree.

Definition

1. Noun (plural form of ):
   • Small rodent: "dormice" are small, furry rodents known for their long hibernation periods. They belong to the family Gliridae and are characterized by their bushy tails and large eyes.
   • Hibernating animal: The term specifically refers to these creatures' habit of sleeping deeply during cold months, similar to dormancy.

Usage Examples

• (Small rodents preparing for hibernation.)
• (A reference to the animal group.)

Advanced Usage

• "to sleep like a dormouse": to sleep very deeply or for a long period.
  • After the long hike, she slept like a dormouse for twelve hours. (She slept extremely soundly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dormouse (noun, singular): one individual of the species.
  • A single dormouse can hibernate for up to six months. (One small rodent.)
• Dormice (noun, plural): more than one dormouse.
  • Dormice are rarely seen because they are nocturnal. (Multiple animals.)

Synonyms

• Hazel mouse: another common name for the European dormouse.
• Sleepy mouse: a colloquial term referencing their hibernation.

Related Idioms

• "dormice and hazelnuts": a phrase used in old English folklore to describe a quiet, cozy winter scene.
  • The cottage was full of dormice and hazelnuts, a perfect winter retreat. (A reference to a peaceful, hibernation-themed setting.)