squirrel

¹squir·rel

noun \ˈskwər(-ə)l, ˈskwə-rəl, chiefly British ˈskwir-əl\

plural squirrels also squirrel

Definition of SQUIRREL

1

: any of various small or medium-sized rodents (family Sciuridae, the squirrel family): as

a : any of numerous New or Old World arboreal forms having a long bushy tail and strong hind legs

b : ground squirrel

2

: the fur of a squirrel

Origin of SQUIRREL

Middle English squirel, from Anglo-French escurel, esquirel, from Vulgar Latin *scuriolus, diminutive of scurius, alteration of Latin *sciurus, from Greek skiouros, probably from skia shadow + oura tail — more at shine, ass

First Known Use: 14th century

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

Rhymes with SQUIRREL

bharal, scurrile

²squirrel

transitive verb

squirreled or squirrelledsquirrel·ing or squirrel·ling

Definition of SQUIRREL

: to store up for future use —often used with away <squirrel away some money>

Origin of SQUIRREL

from the squirrel's habit of storing up gathered nuts and seeds for winter use

First Known Use: 1925

Rhymes with SQUIRREL

birl, curl, dirl, furl, hurl, merle, pearl, purl, skirl, swirl, thirl, tirl, twirl, whirl

squirrel

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of about 260 species in 50 genera (family Sciuridae) of mostly diurnal rodents found almost worldwide. Many species are arboreal; some are terrestrial. All species have strong hind legs and a hairy tail. They vary widely in colour and form and range in total length from the 4-in. (10-cm) African pygmy squirrel to the giant squirrels of Asia, about 35 in. (90 cm) long. Tree dwellers live in a tree hollow or nest, and most are active year-round. Ground dwellers live in burrows, and many become dormant in winter (hibernate) or summer (estivate). Most species are primarily vegetarian and are fond of seeds and nuts; some eat insects or supplement their diet with animal protein. See also chipmunk; flying squirrel; ground squirrel; marmot; prairie dog.