muskrat
Definition
- Noun:
- A beaver-like aquatic rodent of North America with dark glossy brown fur: A "muskrat" is a medium-sized, semiaquatic rodent native to North America. It has a stocky body, a long, vertically flattened tail, and dense, waterproof fur that is typically dark brown.
- The brown fur of a muskrat: "Muskrat" also refers to the valuable pelt or fur obtained from this animal, used historically and in some contexts today in the fur trade.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Animal):
- We saw a muskrat swimming across the pond.
- Muskrats build dome-shaped houses called lodges from vegetation.
- Noun (Fur):
- The trapper sold several high-quality muskrat pelts.
- Her coat was trimmed with muskrat.
Advanced Usage
- Ecological Role: The term is used in biology and ecology to discuss the animal's role in wetland ecosystems.
- Muskrats are considered a keystone species because their foraging habits help maintain open water areas in marshes.
Variants and Related Words
- Muskratting (n): The activity of trapping muskrats.
- Muskratting was a common winter activity for settlers.
- Muskrat House (n): The lodge or dwelling built by a muskrat.
- The marsh was dotted with muskrat houses.
Synonyms
- Rodent: A broad category of mammals that includes muskrats.
- Fur, Pelt: General terms for the skin and hair of an animal, which can be used to refer to muskrat fur.
Related Terms (Contextual)
- Ondatra zibethicus: The scientific name for the muskrat.
- Wetland: The primary habitat for muskrats.
Noun
-
beaver-like aquatic rodent of North America with dark glossy brown fur
-
the brown fur of a muskrat
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