gopher

²gopher

Definition of GOPHER

variant of gofer

¹go·pher

noun \ˈgō-fər\

Definition of GOPHER

1

: a burrowing land tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) of the southern United States; broadly : any of several related land tortoises —called also gopher tortoise

2

a : any of a family (Geomyidae) of burrowing rodents of western North America, Central America, and the southern United States that are the size of a large rat and have large cheek pouches opening beside the mouth —called also pocket gopher

b : any of several small ground squirrels (genus Spermophilus) of the prairie region of North America

3

: gopher ball

Illustration of GOPHER

Origin of GOPHER

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1791

Rhymes with GOPHER

chauffeur, gofer, loafer, Ophir

gopher

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Eastern pocket gopher (Geomys).—Woodrow Goodpaster—The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers

Any of about 40 species (family Geomyidae) of stocky rodents found in North and Central America. Gophers range in length from 5 to 18 in. (13 to 45 cm), including a short, sparsely haired tail. They have chisel-like front teeth; long, strong claws on their forefeet; and large fur-lined pouches that open externally on each side of the mouth. Coat colour varies from almost white to brown or black. Gophers live alone in extensive, shallow underground burrows marked by a series of rounded earth mounds on the surface. They feed on the underground parts of plants, which they obtain as they tunnel along.

Variants of GOPHER

gopher or pocket gopher