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Glite Dictionary
Mesocricetus auratus

Mesocricetus auratus

8.0
A small golden hamster often kept as a pet
  • noun
  • /ˌmɛzoʊˈkraɪkɪtəs ɔˈrɑːtəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Mesocricetus auratus
  • The Mesocricetus auratus is a popular choice for children's first pets due to its gentle nature.

Examples

  • A typical lifespan for Mesocricetus auratus in captivity ranges from two to three years.

  • Researchers often use Mesocricetus auratus in laboratory studies involving genetics and behavior.

  • The Mesocricetus auratus is a popular pet for children.

  • Many people love their Mesocricetus auratus for its friendly nature.

  • The Mesocricetus auratus is a well-loved pet due to its playful behavior and small size.

  • Many families choose a Mesocricetus auratus as their first pet because they are easy to care for.

  • In their natural habitat, the Mesocricetus auratus typically burrows and stores food.

Synonyms

golden hamster
vsMesocricetus auratus
1.8

A small light brown pet animal that people keep in a cage

is the formal scientific Latin name used by scientists
Syrian hamster
vsMesocricetus auratus
2.7

A small, golden or light-colored pet hamster often kept alone

is the scientific Latin name used in biological naming

Surface Forms

Mesocricetus auratus singular
Mesocriceti aurati plural

Morphology

Mesocricetus + auratus

This is a compositional scientific binomial: the genus name Mesocricetus (a type of hamster) combined with the specific epithet auratus (Latin for 'golden') yields 'golden Mesocricetus' — i.e., the golden hamster. If a learner knows both constituents and the convention that species names are literal combinations, the meaning is directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Mesocricetus auratus is the two-part Latin name scientists gave to the golden hamster. The second part, auratus, means 'golden', so the name acts like the hamster's full label and tells people exactly which animal is meant.