Main Entry:

¹bea·ver

Pronunciation:

\ˈbē-vər\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural beavers

Etymology:

Middle English bever, from Old English beofor; akin to Old High German bibar beaver, and probably to Old English brūn brown — more at brown

Date:

before 12th century

1or plural beaver a: either of two large semiaquatic herbivorous rodents comprising a family (Castoridae including Castor canadensis of North America and C. fiber of Eurasia), having webbed hind feet and a broad flat scaly tail, and constructing dams and partially submerged lodges b: the fur or pelt of the beaver2 a: a hat made of beaver fur or a fabric imitation b: silk hat3: a heavy fabric of felted wool or of cotton napped on both sides4usually vulgar : the pudenda of a woman