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rongeur

rodent

noun ron-ZHUR Rare

Usage Note

rongeur is used both as a noun (a rodent) and as an adjective meaning 'gnawing'. The feminine noun form rongeuse exists but the masculine serves as the default category label in biology. Common rongeurs include le rat (rat), la souris (mouse), l'écureuil (squirrel), and le castor (beaver). The verb ronger means 'to gnaw' or, figuratively, 'to eat away at' (être rongé par le remords — 'consumed by remorse').

Examples

"Le rat est un rongeur très répandu."

Natural Translation

The rat is a very widespread rodent.

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