harvest mouse
1
4.4
- noun
- /ˈhɑrvɪst maʊs/
:
ratón de la cosecha
- Wildlife experts are studying the habitat of the harvest mouse to help with conservation efforts.
- marsh harvest mice
- salt marsh harvest mouse
- endangered harvest mice
Examples
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Pathogens—bacterial, viral, and the protozoan parasite—are common in the small mammal population, such as bank voles and harvest mice, in the UK.
Academic text (2014) -
The endangered harvest mouse is often found in fields where crops grow.
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In grasslands across Eurasia, the harvest mouse builds nests to stay safe from predators.
Synonyms
A small gray mouse in North and Central America that lives in grain fields and tall grass
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound 'harvest mouse' is a straightforward noun+noun composition: 'harvest' (fields/crops) + 'mouse' (small rodent) describes a mouse associated with harvest/field environments. This location/association compounding is common in English and other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
The name harvest mouse comes from how this mouse lives in crop fields and builds nests in the stalks at harvest time. That's why the name means a small mouse found in fields and among crops.