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lemming

(lem′iŋ)

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

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

See lemming in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Any of various small, thickset rodents, especially of the genus Lemmus, inhabiting northern regions and known for periodic mass migrations that sometimes end in drowning.

Origin:

Origin: Norwegian

Origin: , from Old Norse lǽmingi, lǽmingr

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