Arctic ground squirrel

noun

variants or less commonly arctic ground squirrel or Arctic squirrel or arctic 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

Word History

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Arctic ground squirrel was in 1820

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Arctic ground squirrel

Cite this Entry

“Arctic ground squirrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Arctic%20ground%20squirrel. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!