'Muskrat' definitions:
Definition of 'muskrat'
(from WordNet)
noun
The brown fur of a muskrat [syn: muskrat, muskrat fur]
noun
Beaver-like aquatic rodent of North America with dark glossy brown fur [syn: muskrat, musquash, Ondatra zibethica]
Definition of 'Muskrat'
From: GCIDE
- Muskrat \Musk"rat`\, n.
- 1. (Zool.) A North American aquatic fur-bearing rodent (Ondatra zibethica formerly Fiber zibethicus). It resembles a rat in color and having a long scaly tail, but the tail is compressed, the hind feet are webbed, and the ears are concealed in the fur. It has scent glands which secrete a substance having a strong odor of musk. Called also musquash, musk beaver, ondatra, and sometimes water rat. [1913 Webster +PJC]
- 2. (Zool.) The musk shrew. [1913 Webster]
- 3. (Zool.) The desman. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'muskrat'
From: GCIDE
- Desman \Des"man\ (d[e^]s"man), n. [Cf. Sw. desman musk.] (Zool.) An amphibious, insectivorous mammal found in Russia ({Myogale moschata}). It is allied to the moles, but is called muskrat by some English writers. [Written also d[ae]sman.] Desmid