star-nosed mole

noun

ˈstär-ˌnōz(d)- 

: a common black long-tailed semiaquatic mole (Condylura cristata) of the northeastern U.S. and adjacent Canada that has a series of pink fleshy projections surrounding the nostrils

Illustration of star-nosed mole

Examples of star-nosed mole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This ancient developmental program, deeply conserved, can also be radically repurposed, as seen in the star-nosed mole's sensory tentacles. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

In particular, the native inhabitants of Niflheim, which look like a cross between giant woodlice and star-nosed moles and yet are capable of being cute, bring to mind Okja’s super pigs, especially when one of the babies is imperiled. — Alison Willmore, Vulture, 15 Feb. 2025

Both the Iberian mole and the star-nosed mole have a piece of DNA inverted in a region that’s key to the regulation of this gene. — Alejandra Manjarrez, Discover Magazine, 28 July 2023

Researchers compared the genomes of these mammals with those of a diverse assortment of others, including an aardvark, a meerkat, a star-nosed mole and a human. — Emily Anthes, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for star-nosed mole

• arteriole
• levamisole
• sitosterol
• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• glycerol
• metropole
• monopole

Kids Definition

star-nosed mole

noun

ˈstär-nōzd-

: a black long-tailed mole of the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada that is found near or in water and has a bunch of pink fleshy projections surrounding the nostrils which are used as feelers in searching for food