leucopus
- noun
- /ˈluːkəpəs/
- Specialized
- The white-footed mouse (leucopus) is known for its pale feet that help it blend into its environment.
- leucopus (Peromyscus)
- leucopus mouse
- leucopus footed mouse
Examples
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We tested the hypothesis that white-footed mice (P. leucopus) were the predominant host of B. microti in this community.
Academic text (2012) -
DTV is believed to be maintained between I. scapularis ticks and the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus).
Academic text (2013) -
Researchers studied the behavior of the white-footed mouse (leucopus) in various habitats.
-
In our survey, we found that the white-footed mouse (leucopus) was more common in wooded areas.
Surface Forms
Morphology
leucopus = leuco- + -pus (opaque) = leuco + pus
The parts are classical Greek combining forms used in scientific naming rather than familiar English words, so learners cannot reliably derive the meaning from common vocabulary.
Etymology
The word leucopus comes from Greek parts leuco- 'white' and -pus 'foot', and the same -pus is in octopus ('eight-foot'). So it means 'white foot' and is used as a species name for animals with pale feet, like an animal wearing 'white socks'.