water rat

Thân thiện

A water rat swims across a calm river.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Any of various amphibious rats: A type of rodent that lives in or near water, such as a muskrat or a water vole.
   • Common large Eurasian vole: Specifically refers to the European water vole (Arvicola amphibius), a large, semi-aquatic rodent.
   • A person who enjoys being in or on the water: An informal term for someone who loves water activities, such as swimming, boating, or sailing.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Animal):
  • We spotted a water rat swimming across the pond.
  • The banks of the stream were riddled with water rat burrows.
• Noun (Person):
  • My brother is a real water rat; he spends every weekend on his sailboat.
  • As a lifelong water rat, she was thrilled to move to a house by the lake.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used affectionately or humorously to describe someone with a strong affinity for aquatic environments.
  • Ever since he was a toddler, he's been a little water rat, never afraid to jump in.

Variants and Related Words

• Water vole: A more specific, formal term for the Eurasian rodent.
• Muskrat: A different, similar semi-aquatic rodent native to North America.
• Aquatic enthusiast: A more formal term for a person who loves water activities.

Synonyms

• For the animal: Muskrat, vole, aquatic rodent.
• For the person: Water lover, aquatic enthusiast, sailor (context-dependent), swimmer.

Related Idioms

• While not a standalone idiom, "water rat" itself functions as an informal, figurative expression when describing a person.
  • Don't bother looking for him indoors in the summer; he's a total water rat.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any of various amphibious rats
2. common large Eurasian vole
3. a person who enjoys being in or on the water

Từ đồng nghĩa

• water vole
• Arvicola amphibius
• water dog