Definition

Noun: A medium-sized hare (Lepus americanus) native to North America, characterized by its very large hind feet, which act like snowshoes, and by molting from a brown or gray summer coat to a white winter coat for camouflage.

Usage

The term "snowshoe rabbit" is used to name this specific animal species. It is a common name, often used in wildlife contexts, nature writing, and by outdoorspeople. * The snowshoe rabbit relies on its white winter fur to hide from predators in the snow. * We followed the tracks of a snowshoe rabbit through the boreal forest.

Advanced Usage

• The name is descriptive, directly referencing the animal's most distinctive adaptation: its large, fur-covered feet that prevent it from sinking into deep snow, functioning like snowshoes.
• The seasonal color change is a key identifying trait. It is also commonly called the "varying hare" due to this change.

Variants and Related Words

• Snowshoe hare: This is a more precise and scientifically preferred common name, as the animal is a true hare, not a rabbit. The two terms are often used interchangeably.
• Varying hare: Another common name emphasizing the seasonal color variation.

Synonyms

• Snowshoe hare
• Varying hare

Different Meanings

The term "snowshoe rabbit" refers specifically to the biological species Lepus americanus. It is not used idiomatically or with other meanings.

Noun

1. large large-footed North American hare; white in winter