gerbil
any of numerous small burrowing rodents of the genus Gerbillus and related genera, of Asia, Africa, and southern Russia, having long hind legs used for jumping.
Also called tam·a·risk ger·bil [tam-uh-risk jur-buhl] /ˈtæm ə rɪsk ˈdʒɜr bəl/ . a jird, Meriones unguiculatus, that is popular as a pet.
Origin of gerbil
1- Also called sand rat.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for gerbil
gerbille
/ (ˈdʒɜːbɪl) /
any burrowing rodent of the subfamily Gerbillinae, inhabiting hot dry regions of Asia and Africa and having soft pale fur: family Cricetidae
Origin of gerbil
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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