Rodent Meaning
/ˈɹəʊdənt/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA mammal of the order Rodentia, characterized by long incisors that grow continuously and are worn down by gnawing.
nounA person lacking in maturity, social skills, technical competence or intelligence; lamer.
Sentence Examples
The Great Jerboa is a species of rodent.
The rat is a rodent.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ gnawed through the wooden floorboards to get into the kitchen.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ had gnawed through the electrical cable, causing a short circuit in the building.
Word Origin & History
From Latin rōdēns, rōdent- (“gnawer; one who gnaws”), present participle of rōdō (“to gnaw”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Bats host many high-profile viruses that can infect humans, including severe acute respiratory syndrome and Ebola. A recent study explored the ecological variables that may contribute to bats’ propensity to harbor such zoonotic diseases by comparing them with another order of common reservoir hosts: rodents."
— 2013 May-June, Katie L. Burke, “In the News”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 3, page 193:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ gnawed through the wooden floorboards to get into the kitchen.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ had gnawed through the electrical cable, causing a short circuit in the building.