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Glite Dictionary
Oryzomys palustris

Oryzomys palustris

9.9
A small tough rat that lives in marshes in the southeastern United States and Mexico
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Oryzomys palustris
  • The Oryzomys palustris is commonly found in wetlands throughout the southeastern United States.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the diet of Oryzomys palustris to understand its role in marsh ecosystems.

  • Predators such as owls and snakes often prey on Oryzomys palustris in their natural habitat.

  • The Oryzomys palustris is often found in wetland areas.

  • Have you ever seen an Oryzomys palustris in the wild?

  • Researchers studied the habitat of Oryzomys palustris to better understand its adaptation to wetlands.

  • The Oryzomys palustris thrives in marshy environments and is an important part of the local ecosystem.

  • Birdwatchers hope to spot the rare Oryzomys palustris during their visit to the marshlands.

Synonyms

rice rat
vsOryzomys palustris
  • US
9.0

A small wild animal like a mouse that lives in marsh grass and eats plants and insects

uses the scientific name and notes it is native rather than just found

Surface Forms

Oryzomys palustris singular
Oryzomys palustris plural

Morphology

Oryzomys + palustris

This is a scientific Latin binomial where the parts function as taxonomic labels rather than ordinary English words; one element ('palustris') is a Latin epithet not available in the learner dictionary and 'Oryzomys' is an obscure genus name. Because the constituents are specialized/proper names (not transparent English morphemes), an average B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not be able to derive the everyday meaning 'marsh rice rat'.

Etymology

Oryzomys palustris comes from old words: Oryzomys joins oryza meaning 'rice' and mys meaning 'mouse', and palustris means 'marsh'. So the name shows a 'rice' mouse that lives in the 'marsh', which is why we call it the marsh rice rat.