pied lemming

Friendly

Explanation of "Pied Lemming"

Definition:
The term "pied lemming" refers to a type of small rodent found in North America. It is known for its distinctive white coat during the winter months and has enlarged claws that help it dig in the snow.

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Pronunciation: /paɪd ˈlɛmɪŋ/
• When using the term in a sentence, remember that it refers to a specific animal, so it is always used as a singular or plural noun (e.g., "The pied lemming is found in cold regions.").

Example Sentence:

• "During the winter, the pied lemming changes its fur to white, which helps it blend in with the snow."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, you might discuss the pied lemming in relation to its habitat, behaviors, or ecological role. For example: - "The pied lemming's adaptation to its environment is crucial for its survival in frigid temperatures."

Word Variants:

• Pied: This adjective can describe any animal or object that has two or more colors. For example, a "pied horse" has patches of black and white.
• Lemming: This is a general term for a group of small rodents in the family Cricetidae, and it refers to various species, not just the pied lemming.

Different Meanings:

While "pied lemming" specifically refers to that species, the individual words have other meanings: - Pied: Can mean having two or more colors, often in a patchy pattern. - Lemming: In popular culture, lemmings are sometimes mistakenly associated with mass suicide, which is incorrect but often referenced.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "pied lemming" because it is a specific species. However, you can refer to it more generally as a "rodent" or "small mammal."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "pied lemming." However, you might come across idioms related to the behavior of lemmings in general, such as: - "Follow like lemmings" – This means to follow others blindly, without thinking for oneself, similar to the misconception about lemmings following each other off cliffs.

Summary:

The pied lemming is a small North American rodent with a white coat in winter and enlarged claws. Understanding this term can help you appreciate discussions about wildlife, ecology, and animal adaptations.

Academic

Noun

1. North American lemming having a white winter coat and some claws much enlarged