jackrabbit
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A large hare of western North America: A "jackrabbit" is a type of hare characterized by its very long ears and powerful hind legs, native to the open plains and deserts of western North America.
Verb:
- To go forward or start with a fast, sudden movement: To "jackrabbit" means to begin moving or accelerate very abruptly and quickly, often with a jerking motion. This usage is derived from the animal's characteristic leaping start.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- We saw a black-tailed jackrabbit dart across the desert road.
- The jackrabbit's large ears help it regulate body temperature and detect predators.
Verb:
- The car's clutch was tricky, causing it to jackrabbit every time he tried to start.
- The nervous horse jackrabbited out of the gate at the beginning of the race.
Advanced Usage
- The verb form is often used to describe the jerky, sudden start of a vehicle, especially when a driver releases the clutch too quickly.
- New drivers often jackrabbit until they learn clutch control.
Variants and Related Words
- Hare: A general term for fast-running, long-eared mammals similar to rabbits. A jackrabbit is a specific type of hare.
- Jackrabbit start: A compound noun describing the sudden, jerky beginning of movement, typically for a vehicle.
Synonyms
- Noun: hare.
- Verb: jerk, lurch, bolt, start suddenly.
Related Phrases
- To take off like a jackrabbit: An idiom meaning to start or run away very suddenly and quickly.
- When he heard the noise, he took off like a jackrabbit.
Noun
- large hare of western North America
Verb
- go forward or start with a fast, sudden movement