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Glite Dictionary
Cryptotis parva

Cryptotis parva

9.9
A very small brown mammal like a mouse that lives in grasslands of the eastern United States
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cryptotis parva
  • The Cryptotis parva is often found in grassy areas.

Examples

  • The Cryptotis parva is one of the smallest mammals native to North America.

  • Researchers observed a population of Cryptotis parva thriving in the protected grasslands.

  • Unlike other shrews, the Cryptotis parva rarely enters wooded areas.

  • Have you ever seen a Cryptotis parva in the wild?

  • The Cryptotis parva is known for its small size and brown fur, making it well-suited for life in grassy areas.

  • Researchers have documented the habitat preferences of the Cryptotis parva, focusing on its presence in eastern United States grasslands.

  • In the summer, the Cryptotis parva can often be spotted foraging for insects in open fields.

Synonyms

least shrew
vsCryptotis parva
  • US
9.9

A very small brown mammal like a mouse that lives in grassy areas in the eastern United States

uses the formal Latin scientific name used in taxonomy and formal lists

Surface Forms

Cryptotis parva singular
Cryptotis parvas plural

Morphology

Cryptotis + parva

The binomial name is partially compositional: if a learner knows 'Cryptotis' as a taxonomic genus and 'parva' as Latin for 'small', they can infer it denotes a small member of that genus. However, identifying it specifically as the North American least shrew (and the detailed common-name meaning) requires taxonomic or Latin-epithet knowledge beyond ordinary vocabulary, so the relation is not fully transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Cryptotis parva comes from Greek and Latin words: crypt- meaning 'hidden', otis meaning 'ear', and parva meaning 'small'. This name gives the picture of a very small shrew with tiny ears hidden in its fur, which is why it refers to the North American least shrew.