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Glite Dictionary
musquash

musquash

9.9
A large water animal like a small beaver with dark brown shiny fur
  • noun
  • /ˈmʌskwɑːʃ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : muskrato
  • We spotted a musquash building its den along the riverbank.

Examples

  • The musquash is a large rodent known for its dark glossy fur and strong swimming abilities.

  • The musquash is often mistaken for a small beaver due to its appearance.

  • Trappers once valued musquash fur for its durability and glossy sheen.

  • The musquash is often found near rivers.

  • Many people confuse the musquash with a beaver.

  • We saw a musquash foraging for food near the edge of the pond.

  • The habitat of the musquash typically includes wetlands and marshy areas.

Synonyms

muskrat
vsmusquash
  • US
3 5.6

A small animal that lives in water like a beaver with dark brown fur and a long scaly tail

is a descriptive name that omits the tail detail
Ondatra zibethica
vsmusquash
  • Specialized
9.9

A North American rodent that lives in water like a small beaver with dark brown fur

is the everyday descriptive name rather than a formal Latin label

Surface Forms

musquash singular
musquashes plural

Etymology

Musquash comes from a Native American language called 'Algonquian' and originally meant a 'water rat'. It is the same root as muskrat, so the name points to a rodent that lives in water and on land, much like a small beaver.