ground-squirrel

A ground-squirrel stands on its hind legs near its burrow.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of rodent: "ground-squirrel" refers to any of various burrowing rodents of the squirrel family (Sciuridae) that live primarily on or in the ground rather than in trees. They are typically smaller than tree squirrels and often have striped or spotted fur.

Usage Examples

• (A small rodent living in a hole in the ground.)
• (An animal that stays close to the ground rather than climbing trees.)

Advanced Usage

• "ground-squirrel" in scientific contexts: In zoology, the term is often used to differentiate species like the thirteen-lined ground squirrel () from tree-dwelling squirrels.
  • The ground-squirrel's diet consists mainly of nuts, seeds, and insects. (A description of its feeding habits in a research paper.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ground squirrel (n): an alternative spelling (without the hyphen) used in many texts.
  • The ground squirrel is commonly found in prairies and deserts. (Same meaning as "ground-squirrel".)

Synonyms

• Spermophile: a scientific term for a ground squirrel, from Greek words meaning "seed-loving".
  • The spermophile is known for storing large caches of seeds underground.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms using "ground-squirrel" specifically. However, the phrase "like a ground squirrel" may be used informally to describe someone who is busy or quick, referencing the animal's active foraging behaviour.
  • She darted around the room like a ground squirrel, gathering papers. (Moving quickly and busily.)