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Word Central

rat

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

rat

Main Entry:: ¹rat
Pronunciation:: \ˈrat\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English ræt; akin to Old High German ratta rat and perhaps to Latin rodere to gnaw — more at rodent
Date:: before 12th century

1 a: any of numerous rodents (Rattus and related genera) differing from the related mice especially by considerably larger size b: any of various similar rodents2: a contemptible person: as a: one who betrays or deserts friends or associates b: scab 3b c: informer 2 3: a pad over which a woman's hair is arranged4: a person who spends much time in a specified place <a mall rat>

— rat·like

Listen to the pronunciation of ratlike

\-ˌlīk\ adjective

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