squirrel

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

Definition of squirrel

plural

squirrels

also

squirrel

1 : any of various small or medium-sized rodents (family Sciuridae, the squirrel family): such asa : any of numerous New or Old World arboreal forms having a long bushy tail and strong hind legsb : ground squirrel
2 : the fur of a squirrel

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Origin and Etymology 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

squirrel

verb squir·rel

Definition of squirrel

squirreled

squirrelled

;

squirreling

squirrelling

transitive verb
: to store up for future use —often used with away squirrel away some money

See squirrel defined for English-language learners

Origin and Etymology of squirrel

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

First Known Use: 1925

SQUIRREL Defined for English Language Learners

squirrel

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noun

Definition of squirrel for English Language Learners

: a small animal with a long tail and soft fur that lives in trees

SQUIRREL Defined for Kids

squirrel

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noun squir·rel \ˈskwər-əl\

Definition of squirrel for Students

: a small gnawing animal that is a rodent usually with a bushy tail and soft fur and strong hind legs used especially for leaping among tree branches

History for squirrel

When a squirrel sits up, its long tail curves up and over its head and sometimes casts a shadow. The English word squirrel comes ultimately from the Greek word for a squirrel, skiouros, which is thought to mean “shadow-tailed” (skia, “shadow,” plus oura, “tail”).