Ondatra zibethica

9.9

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

noun

Specialized

: Ondatra zibethica

The Ondatra zibethica is well adapted to wetland environments with its dense, waterproof fur.

Examples

Scientists observed the Ondatra zibethica constructing lodges along the banks of the river.
The Ondatra zibethica is commonly found in wetlands.
In biology class, we studied the behavior and habitat of Ondatra zibethica.
Have you ever seen an Ondatra zibethica in the wild?
In biology class, we studied the behavior and habitat of Ondatra zibethica.
Scientists observed the Ondatra zibethica constructing lodges along the banks of the river.
The Ondatra zibethica is well adapted to wetland environments with its dense, waterproof fur.

Synonyms

muskrat

vsOndatra zibethica

3 5.6

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

is the scientific label for the same species

musquash

vsOndatra zibethica

Archaic

9.9

A large water animal like a small beaver with dark brown shiny fur

is the scientific name rather than a regional common term

Surface Forms

Ondatra zibethica singular

Ondatra zibethicas plural

Morphology

Ondatra + zibethica

This is a Latin scientific binomial rather than a compositional English phrase: the label 'Ondatra zibethica' functions as an arbitrary taxonomic name meaning 'muskrat' and is not built from transparent English morphemes. One element ('zibethica') is not a standard dictionary word and even knowing 'Ondatra' as a genus does not allow a B1 learner to derive the common-animal meaning, so the expression is not predictable from its parts.

Etymology

Ondatra zibethica may come from an old native word for the muskrat, Ondatra, and a Latin word meaning 'musk', zibethica, because the animal gives off a strong, musky smell, so the name simply points to the creature we call the 'muskrat' today.