SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

octodon

noun
Save Word
oc·​to·​don | \ ˈäktəˌdän \

Definition of octodon

1 capitalized : a genus (the type of the family Octodontidae) of small long-eared social rodents of western South America having combs of long stiff hairs at the base of the claws
2 plural -s : any rodent of the genus Octodon : degu

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!

History and Etymology for octodon

New Latin Octodont-, Octodon, from octa- + -odont-, -odon -odon

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about octodon

Statistics for octodon

Cite this Entry

“Octodon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/octodon. Accessed 26 Feb. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on octodon

What made you want to look up octodon? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

megillah

Listen to the pronunciation of megillah

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games