Definition

Noun: 1. A small species of shrew: The term "least shrew" refers specifically to Cryptotis parva, a very small, brownish mammal of the shrew family (Soricidae). It is characterized by its tiny size, pointed snout, and high metabolic rate, and is found in grassy habitats.

Usage

The term "least shrew" is used as a singular, countable noun to identify this particular species. It is primarily a zoological term. * The least shrew is one of the smallest mammals in North America by mass. * Researchers are studying the habitat preferences of the least shrew.

Advanced Usage

• The name can be used in a compound adjective form to describe attributes related to the species.
  • The study focused on least shrew population density in restored prairies.

Variants and Related Words

• Cryptotis parva: The scientific (Latin) binomial name for the least shrew.
• Shrew: The general common name for small, insectivorous mammals in the family Soricidae, to which the least shrew belongs.

Synonyms

• American least shrew: A less common but sometimes used full common name.
• Small short-tailed shrew: A descriptive name referencing its physical characteristics relative to other shrews.

Related Phrases

• Shrew species: A general phrase for any member of the shrew family.
  • Several shrew species, including the least shrew, inhabit this region.

Noun

1. small brown shrew of grassy regions of eastern United States