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Glite Dictionary
European lemming

European lemming

7.7
A small animal like a mouse from northern Europe that sometimes moves in large groups and many die in water
  • noun
  • /ˌjʊərəˈpiːən ˈlɛmɪŋ/
  • UK
translation icon : lemming europeo
  • The population of the European lemming can fluctuate widely from year to year due to mass migrations.

Examples

  • Scientists tracked a herd of European lemmings as they crossed rivers in search of food.

  • The European lemming is found in the tundra.

  • Legends about the European lemming jumping into the sea have intrigued naturalists for centuries.

  • Many European lemmings migrate in search of food.

  • Scientists tracked a herd of European lemmings as they crossed rivers in search of food.

  • The population of the European lemming can fluctuate widely from year to year due to mass migrations.

  • Legends about the European lemming jumping into the sea have intrigued naturalists for centuries.

Synonyms

lemming
vsEuropean lemming
16 6.8

A small animal like a mouse with a short tail that sometimes moves long distances in large groups

is the specific northern species rather than the general Arctic group
Lemmus lemmus
vsEuropean lemming
  • Specialized
9.9

A small mouse-like tundra animal that sometimes drowns when many move together

is the regional term tying the species to northern habitats

Surface Forms

European lemming singular
European lemmings plural

Morphology

European + lemming

The compound is a straightforward adjective + noun combination: 'European' (from Europe) modifying 'lemming' (a small rodent), so the referent is simply a lemming associated with Europe. This compositional pattern is common across languages and follows standard English modification, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

European lemming is a small rodent from northern Europe that sometimes moves in very large groups. One popular story says whole groups 'jump into the sea' during these journeys, so the name brings to mind mass movements where many animals drown.