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

1 or 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 beaver
2 a : a hat made of beaver fur or a fabric imitation b : silk hat
3 : a heavy fabric of felted wool or of cotton napped on both sides
4 usually vulgar : the pudenda of a woman