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Glite Dictionary
pied lemming

pied lemming

9.9
A small northern mouse-like animal with a white winter coat and large digging claws
  • noun
  • /paɪd ˈlɛmɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lemming pintado
  • The pied lemming develops a striking white coat during the harsh Arctic winter.

Examples

  • Enlarged claws help the pied lemming dig through snow in search of food.

  • Scientists observed changes in the population of pied lemmings after a particularly severe winter.

  • The pied lemming is known for its distinctive fur.

  • Many pied lemmings have adapted to cold climates.

  • The pied lemming develops a striking white coat during the harsh Arctic winter.

  • Enlarged claws help the pied lemming dig through snow in search of food.

  • Scientists observed changes in the population of pied lemmings after a particularly severe winter.

Surface Forms

pied lemming singular
pied lemmings plural

Morphology

pied + lemming

The noun is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'pied' (having patches of contrasting colors) modifies 'lemming' (a small rodent), so the overall meaning ‘a lemming with contrasting-coloured/variegated fur’ is directly derivable. This follows ordinary descriptive compounding found cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand the MWE.

Etymology

Pied lemming comes from how the animal looks: pied means 'having patches of color' and lemming is a small, mouse-like animal. This North American lemming grows a white winter coat and has big digging claws, so the name helps you picture that particular animal.