kangaroo rat

Kangaroo rat — Rat Rat (r[a^]t), n. [AS. r[ae]t; akin to D. rat, OHG. rato, ratta, G. ratte, ratze, OLG. ratta, LG. & Dan. rotte, Sw. r[*a]tta, F. rat, Ir. & Gael radan, Armor. raz, of unknown origin. Cf. {Raccoon}.] 1. (Zo[ o]l.) One of several species of… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

kangaroo rat — n. (Zool.) A jumping rodent of the genus {Dipodomys} of the family {Heteromyidae}, which lives in arid regions of Mexico and the western U. S. [PJC] 2. (Zool.) An Australian mammal of the genus {Notomys}. [PJC] 3. (Zool.) a small ratlike… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

kangaroo rat — n. ☆ 1. any of a genus (Dipodomys, family Heteromyidae) of small, long legged, jumping, mouselike rodents living in desert regions of the SW U.S. and Mexico 2. RAT KANGAROO …   English World dictionary

kangaroo rat — kangaroo′ rat n. mam any of various small jumping rodents of the genus Dipodomys, of Mexico and W North America • Etymology: 1780–90 …   From formal English to slang

Kangaroo rat — This article is about the American animal. For the Australian animal, see Hopping mouse. Not to be confused with the genus Aepyprymnus, known as rat kangaroos. Kangaroo rats Temporal range: Late Pliocene Recent Scientific classificatio …   Wikipedia

kangaroo rat — 1. any of various small jumping rodents of the family Heteromyidae, of Mexico and the western U.S. 2. an Australian desert rodent of the genus Notomys. [1780 90] * * * Any of about 25 species (genus Dipodomys, family Heteromyidae) of rodents that …   Universalium

kangaroo rat — noun 1. any of various leaping rodents of desert regions of North America and Mexico; largest members of the family Heteromyidae • Syn: ↑desert rat, ↑Dipodomys phillipsii • Hypernyms: ↑pocket rat • Hyponyms: ↑Ord kangaroo rat, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

kangaroo rat — Potoroo Po to*roo , n. (Zo[ o]l.) Any small kangaroo belonging to {Hypsiprymnus}, {Bettongia}, and allied genera, native of Australia and Tasmania. Called also {kangaroo rat}. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

kangaroo rat — /kæŋgəˈru ræt / (say kangguh rooh rat) noun any of various small jumping rodents of the family Heteromyidae, of Mexico and the western United States, such as those of the genus Dipodomys …   Australian English dictionary

kangaroo rat — noun Date: 1867 any of a genus (Dipodomys) of nocturnal burrowing rodents of arid parts of western North America that travel by hopping on their long hind legs and have a long tail and fur lined cheek pouches …   New Collegiate Dictionary

kangaroo rat — noun Any of many different species of rodent that moves about by hopping. Syn: hopping mouse …   Wiktionary