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Glite Dictionary
Lemmus trimucronatus

Lemmus trimucronatus

9.9
A small animal like a mouse called a lemming that lives in northwestern Canada and Alaska
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Lemmus trimucronatus
  • Researchers observed the burrowing habits of Lemmus trimucronatus during the Arctic summer.

Examples

  • The Lemmus trimucronatus is well adapted to the harsh climate of northern Alaska.

  • Populations of Lemmus trimucronatus fluctuate greatly depending on predation and food availability.

  • The Lemmus trimucronatus is a unique species of lemming.

  • Researchers studied the Lemmus trimucronatus in Alaska.

  • In the cold tundra of Alaska, the Lemmus trimucronatus builds intricate burrows to find shelter from predators.

  • The Lemmus trimucronatus plays an important role in the Arctic ecosystem as a primary food source for many predators.

  • During the summer months, the Lemmus trimucronatus can be seen foraging for food in the grassy meadows of northwestern Canada.

Synonyms

brown lemming
vsLemmus trimucronatus
  • US
7.9

A small burrowing animal like a mouse with brown fur and a short tail from northwestern Canada and Alaska

names the specific species found in that region rather than highlighting appearance

Surface Forms

Lemmus trimucronatus singular
Lemmus trimucronatus plural

Morphology

Lemmus + trimucronatus

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name: although 'Lemmus' refers to lemmings, 'trimucronatus' is a Latin epithet not a normal English word and does not transparently convey 'a species of lemming' to an average B1 learner. The expression functions as an arbitrary taxonomic label rather than a compositional English phrase, so its meaning is opaque without specialist or etymological knowledge.

Etymology

Lemmus trimucronatus The name Lemmus trimucronatus comes from old scientific words: Lemmus means 'a lemming' and trimucronatus may mean 'three-pointed'. That 'three-pointed' idea probably points to a small sharp part, like a tooth or the tip of the tail, so the name helps people tell this northwestern lemming apart from other lemmings.