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Glite Dictionary
loir

loir

9.9
A large mouse-like animal with a bushy tail that sleeps through winter in tree holes
  • noun
  • UK
: loir
  • The loir is found throughout much of southern and central Europe.

Examples

  • The loir is a fascinating creature.

  • While hiking in France, we caught a glimpse of a rare loir nesting in a hollow oak tree.

  • Loirs hibernate for months during the winter, emerging in the spring to forage for fruit and nuts.

  • Many people are unaware of the loir and its habits.

  • The loir is a fascinating creature known for hibernating during the winter months.

  • In Europe, the loir is often considered a delicacy and is enjoyed in various dishes.

  • We spotted a loir resting in the tree, its bushy tail making it easy to identify.

Synonyms

dormouse
vsloir
  • UK
3 6.9

A small furry animal like a mouse with a bushy tail that sleeps through winter

is one large species rather than the general small group
Glis glis
vsloir
  • Specialized
9.9

A large European animal like a big mouse that hibernates for long periods and is sometimes eaten

is the common everyday name rather than the technical label

Surface Forms

loir singular
loirs plural

Etymology

Loir comes from the old Latin name glis, the name for this type of dormouse. A helpful way to remember it is to think of English dormouse and dormant, which point to 'sleep', because a loir is famous for long winter sleep.