vole

¹vole

noun \ˈvōl\

Definition of VOLE

: grand slam 1

Origin of VOLE

French, probably from voler to fly — more at volley

First Known Use: 1679

Rhymes with VOLE

bole, boll, bowl, coal, cole, Cole, dhole, dole, droll, foal, goal, hole, knoll, kohl, Kohl, mole, ole, pole, poll, prole, role, roll, scroll, Seoul, shoal, skoal, sol, sole, soul, stole, stroll, thole, tole, toll, troll, whole

²vole

noun

Definition of VOLE

: any of various small rodents (Microtus and related genera) that typically have a stout body, rather blunt nose, and short ears, inhabit both moist meadows and dry uplands and do much damage to crops, and are closely related to muskrats and lemmings

Origin of VOLE

earlier vole-mouse, from vole- (of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vǫllr field) + mouse; akin to Old English weald forest — more at wold

First Known Use: 1805

Other Mammals Terms

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

vole

noun \ˈvōl\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of VOLE

: any of various small rodents (family Cricetidae and especially genus Microtus) that typically have a stout body, rather blunt nose, and short ears, that inhabit both moist meadows and dry uplands and do much damage to crops, and that are closely related to muskrats and lemmings but in general resemble stocky mice or rats

vole

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus).—Judith Myers

Any burrowing rodent (family Cricetidae) with a blunt snout, small ears, and short limbs. Most species are herbivorous and are found throughout North America and Eurasia. The approximately 45 species of the genus Microtus, also called meadow mice, are 4–10 in. (10–26 cm) long, including the tail. Their long, shaggy fur is grayish brown. About 10 species of pine voles inhabit swamps, fields, and hardwood forests. Red-backed voles inhabit forests in cold regions. Water voles are found only in Eurasia and usually live near a stream, ditch, or lake.