Old World beaver

8.4

A large water rodent from Europe and western Asia different from the North American beaver

noun

: castor del Viejo Mundo

The Old World beaver is smaller than its North American counterpart.

Examples

Once nearly extinct, Old World beaver populations are steadily increasing due to protection laws.
Many scientists study the Old World beaver for its unique behaviors.
Conservation efforts have helped the Old World beaver recover in some parts of Europe.
The Old World beaver differs from its North American cousin in several physical traits.
Conservation efforts have helped the Old World beaver recover in some parts of Europe.
The Old World beaver differs from its North American cousin in several physical traits.
Many scientists study the Old World beaver for its unique behaviors.

Synonyms

Castor fiber

vsOld World beaver

Specialized

9.0

A large beaver that lives in and near rivers in Europe and northern Asia

is a geographic species description not the formal scientific label

Surface Forms

Old World beaver singular

Old World beavers plural

Morphology

old + world + beaver

The noun 'beaver' and the modifier 'Old World' together point to a beaver from the 'Old World' (Europe/Asia), so the overall meaning is partly derivable from the constituents. However, understanding 'Old World' as a conventional geographic/historical label (contrasting with the 'New World') requires cultural or encyclopedic knowledge that a B1 learner may not have, making the phrase only partially transparent.

Etymology

Old World beaver: The name Old World beaver comes from an old way of naming places — Old World meant Europe and western Asia, so a beaver from those lands got this label. That's why the name shows it is a different species from the beaver in the 'New World'.