noun
beaver
BEE-ver/ˈbiːvər/
A large water-dwelling rodent that builds dams.
The beaver braces a fresh branch into its low streamside dam.
Etymology
Old English beofor already named this rodent. The source traces its deeper ancestry to a root meaning 'bright; brown,' linking the animal's name with its color.
In context
it has this large flat tail at the back and sharp pointy teeth at the front does anyone know what the animal is we're going to talk about is a beaver
More examples
- Several beavers live along the wooded river.
- The old hat is made from beaver felt.
- A beaver's broad tail leaves a clear mark in the mud.
Forms
beaver · beavers
Similar words
- rodent
- The broader animal group, including mice and squirrels.
- pelt
- Names an animal's furred skin rather than the animal itself.