Main Entry:

musk·rat

Pronunciation:

\ˈməsk-ˌrat\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural muskrat or muskrats

Etymology:

probably by folk etymology from a word of Algonquian origin; akin to Massachusett musquash muskrat

Date:

1607

: an aquatic rodent (Ondatra zibethica) of the United States and Canada with a long scaly laterally compressed tail, webbed hind feet, and dark glossy brown fur ; also : its fur or pelt

[muskrat illustration]