mice

A cat quietly watches two mice in the kitchen.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • Plural form of mouse: "mice" is the irregular plural of the noun "mouse," referring to small rodents typically found in homes or fields.
   • Small rodents: These animals have pointed snouts, small rounded ears, and long tails; they are often considered pests but are also used in scientific research.
   • Informal usage: In slang, "mice" can refer to bruised or swollen eyes (e.g., "black eyes"), though this usage is rare and dated.

2. Verb (archaic or rare):

   • To hunt or catch mice: The verb "mice" (third-person singular present "mices") means to engage in the act of catching mice, typically used for cats or other predators.
   • To move stealthily: A less common meaning is to move quietly or sneakily, like a mouse.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The cats chased the mice out of the kitchen. (Plural of "mouse," referring to small rodents.)
  • Mice are often used in laboratory experiments. (Small rodents used in scientific studies.)
  • After the fight, he had two black mice under his eyes. (Slang for bruised eyes; dated.)

• Verb:

  • The cat miced all night in the barn. (The cat hunted mice.)
  • He miced through the dark hallway. (He moved stealthily; rare usage.)

Advanced Usage

• "Mice and men": A phrase from Robert Burns' poem, popularized by John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men, referring to the disparity between human plans and reality.

  • The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. (Human intentions are frequently disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.)

• "As quiet as a mouse": An idiom meaning very silent, often used to describe people or animals.

  • The children were as quiet as mice during the test. (They were extremely quiet.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mouse (n, singular): the singular form of "mice."
  • A mouse ran across the floor. (One small rodent.)
• Mousy (adj): resembling a mouse in color, behavior, or timidity.
  • She had mousy brown hair. (Hair the color of a mouse.)
• Mousetrap (n): a device used to catch or kill mice.
  • He set a mousetrap in the pantry. (A trap for mice.)

Synonyms

• Rodents: a broader category of mammals that includes mice, rats, and squirrels.
• Pests: animals considered harmful or annoying, often including mice in domestic settings.
• Vermin: a derogatory term for small, destructive animals like mice.

Phrasal Verbs

• Mouse around: to explore or search in a cautious or sneaky manner.
  • The detective moused around the crime scene. (He searched carefully and stealthily.)

Related Idioms

• Play cat and mouse: to engage in a game of pursuit and evasion, often with teasing or deception.
  • The police played cat and mouse with the thief. (They pursued him in a teasing, strategic way.)
• When the cat's away, the mice will play: People take advantage of the absence of authority to behave freely.
  • The students misbehaved when the teacher left; when the cat's away, the mice will play. (They acted out during the teacher's absence.)