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 rodents
2 : 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 arranged
4 : a person who spends much time in a specified place <a mall rat>

— rat·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective