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rodent

 - 4 dictionary results

ro⋅dent

[rohd-nt]
–adjective
1. belonging or pertaining to the gnawing or nibbling mammals of the order Rodentia, including the mice, squirrels, beavers, etc.
–noun
2. a rodent mammal.

Origin:
1825–35; < NL Rodentia Rodentia


ro⋅dent⋅like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rodent
ro·dent   (rōd'nt)   
n.  Any of various mammals of the order Rodentia, such as a mouse, rat, squirrel, or beaver, characterized by large incisors adapted for gnawing or nibbling.
adj.  
  1. Gnawing.

  2. Of or relating to rodents.


[From New Latin Rōdentia, order name, from Latin rōdēns, rōdent-, present participle of rōdere, to gnaw; see rēd- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

rodent 
1835, from Mod.L. rodentia, the order name, from L. rodentem (nom. rodens), prp. of rodere "to gnaw, eat away," from PIE base *red- "to scrape, scratch, gnaw" (cf. Skt. radati "scrapes, gnaws," radanah "tooth;" L. radere "to scrape;" Welsh rhathu "scrape, polish"). Uncertain connection to O.E. rætt (see rat).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ro·dent
Pronunciation: 'rOd-&nt
Function: noun
: any mammal (as a mouse or rat) of the order Rodentia —rodent adjective
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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