water vole

Thân thiện

A water vole sits on a riverbank, nibbling a green plant stem.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A semiaquatic rodent of North America: A small, stout-bodied rodent (Microtus richardsoni) found near streams and wetlands in western North America. It has a dense, waterproof coat and is a strong swimmer.
   • A large aquatic vole of Eurasia: A large, robust rodent (Arvicola amphibius) found in riverbanks, lakes, and marshes across Europe and parts of Asia. It is often seen swimming and is sometimes called the "water rat."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We spotted a water vole swimming across the pond, its small ears just visible above the surface.
  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect the habitat of the endangered European water vole.
  • The North American water vole is an important part of the alpine ecosystem.

Advanced Usage

• The term "water vole" is used in ecological and conservation contexts to discuss species populations, habitat requirements, and biodiversity.
  • The reintroduction of the water vole to this wetland has been a key indicator of the habitat's recovery.

Variants and Related Words

• Vole (n): The general term for small rodents of the family Cricetidae, to which water voles belong.
• Arvicola amphibius (n): The scientific name for the Eurasian water vole.
• Microtus richardsoni (n): The scientific name for the North American water vole.

Synonyms

• Water rat (n): A common, though less precise, name for the Eurasian water vole.
• Field mouse (n): A general term sometimes confused with voles, though they are different species.

Related Phrases

• "As busy as a water vole": An informal simile suggesting constant, industrious activity, inspired by the animal's behavior.
  • She's been as busy as a water vole, gathering materials for her project all week.

Học thuật

Noun

1. of western North America
2. common large Eurasian vole

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Richardson vole
• Microtus richardsoni
• water rat
• Arvicola amphibius