variants:
or less commonly arctic ground squirrel
or Arctic squirrel
or arctic squirrel
Definition of Arctic ground squirrel
: a large ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii) of Alaska, northwestern Canada, and Siberia, that is grayish tan with a reddish face and chest, lives in large colonies, and hibernates for long periods in underground burrows
When we hiked across the tundra, we were greeted by Arctic ground squirrels, called sik sik by natives for their scolding tone.— Michael Dobrin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2007 A biologist in Alaska has uncovered a hibernating mammal that routinely tolerates a body temperature below zero. The creature in question is the arctic ground squirrel, Spermophilus parryii.— Stephen Young, New Scientist, 29 July 1989 … frequent stops to view caribou, moose, foxes, Dall sheep, eagles, hawks, Arctic squirrels and beavers …— Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 6 Sept. 1992
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of perdure?

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share Arctic ground squirrel
Time Traveler for Arctic ground squirrel
The first known use of Arctic ground squirrel was in 1820
See more words from the same year