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lemming definition

lem·ming (lem′iŋ)

noun pl. lemmings -·mings or lemming -·ming

any of various small, mostly arctic rodents (family Cricetidae) resembling mice but having short tails and fur-covered feet: some species (esp. genus Lemmus) undertake spectacular mass migrations at peaks of population growth, ultimately drowning while trying to cross the sea

Etymology: Dan < ON læmingi, lemming, orig., prob. “barker” < IE echoic base *lā- > L latrare, to bark, lamentum, lament

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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