Definition of muskrat

muskratnoun

chuột xạ hương

/ˈmʌskræt//ˈmʌskræt/

The word "muskrat" comes from two Native American terms: "musk," which refers to a strong-smelling substance secreted by muskreats as a defense mechanism, and "rat," a word commonly used to describe small rodents. The Algonquian language, spoken by various indigenous tribes in North America, originally coined these terms. The muskrat's fur was also commonly used to make warm clothing, and its musk was traded and used by European settlers as a valuable commodity in the fur trade. The combination of these two words perfectly describes the muskrat, an aquatic rodent with a distinct musk odor that's often compared to a beaver's in appearance and lifestyle. Today, the term "muskrat" is commonly used by biologists, hunters, and anglers to refer to this elusive but important North American animal.

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Example:
  • The muskrat swam quickly through the marsh, its webbed tail slicing through the water.
  • The muskrat's thick fur and webbed feet help it survive winters in the harsh northern climate.
  • The farmer discovered a burrow filled with muskrat fur, a sign that the animal had been living nearby.
  • As the muskrat dove beneath the water, its piercing eyes darted around, searching for prey.
  • The muskrat's distinctive scent, produced by a gland near its tail, helps it communicate with other muskrats.
  • The muskrat's dwelling, known as a lodge, is built of mud and cattails and can be quite elaborate inside.
  • The muskrat's diet consists mainly of plants, but it will also eat small animals like crayfish and mice.
  • The muskrat's ability to forage in shallow water makes it a versatile and adaptable animal.
  • At the side of a pond, a family of baby muskrats played and side by side, their search for food provided for the winter.
  • The muskrat's wiggling technique while swimming, helps it to move easily underwater and efficiently catch prey.