n. Any of various mammals of the order Rodentia, such as a mouse, rat, squirrel, or beaver, characterized by large incisors used for gnawing or nibbling. [From New Latin Rōdentia, order name, from Latin rōdēns, rōdent-, present participle of rōdere, to gnaw; see rēd- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] rodent adj. |
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