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Cuniculus

Cuniculus

9.9
A large rodent like a paca that is active at night in Central and South America
  • noun
  • /ˈkjuːnɪkələs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cunículo

Examples

  • When it was Lepus cuniculus, he hated it.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • "Lepus cuniculus," I said.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • They were devoured by the dreaded Oryctolagus cuniculus.

  • The cuniculus is known for its unique ability to thrive in dense forests, where it forages for fruit and roots.

  • Native to Central and South America, the cuniculus is a large nocturnal rodent often found in moist habitats.

  • In the wild, the cuniculus can be seen emerging from its burrow at night to search for food.

Compounds

Oryctolagus cuniculus
  • Specialized
8.8

A rabbit originally from Europe and North Africa that lives in burrows and is often kept as a pet

Surface Forms

Cuniculus singular
Cuniculi plural

Etymology

Cuniculus comes from the Latin word cuniculus, which meant 'rabbit' or 'burrow', giving a picture of a small animal that lives near the ground. That's why the rodent genus Cuniculus, the pacas, has a name that reminds us they are shy, ground-dwelling mammals that hide in dense forest places.