round-tailed muskrat
- noun
- US
:
nutria de cola redonda
- The round-tailed muskrat builds elaborate lodges out of aquatic plants in Florida marshes.
Examples
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Unlike the common muskrat, the round-tailed muskrat is found only in certain parts of Florida.
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Conservation efforts are aimed at protecting the wetland habitat of the round-tailed muskrat.
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I spotted a round-tailed muskrat near the riverbank.
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The round-tailed muskrat is known for its unique tail.
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The round-tailed muskrat uses its strong limbs to swim swiftly through the wetlands of Florida.
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In the wetlands, the round-tailed muskrat can often be seen foraging for food among the tall grasses.
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During the rainy season, the round-tailed muskrat seeks shelter in its burrow to stay dry.
Synonyms
3
5.6
A small animal that lives in water like a beaver with dark brown fur and a long scaly tail
A group of rodents that includes the round-tailed muskrat of southeastern North America
A small animal like a mouse that lives in Florida marshes and swims
Surface Forms
Morphology
round-tailed + muskrat
The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun compound: 'round-tailed' means 'having a round tail' (derived from 'round' + 'tail') and 'muskrat' is an aquatic rodent, so the full meaning is simply 'a muskrat with a round tail.' This compositional, descriptive pattern is common across languages and follows regular English adjective-noun formation, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would be able to infer the meaning.
Etymology
Round-tailed muskrat is a simple name that describes the animal: round-tailed points to its short, round tail and muskrat shows it is like the common muskrat that lives in marshes. So the name helps you remember it is a small animal that lives in water and on land in parts of Florida.