| marmot | 1. <zoology> Any rodent of the genus Arctomys. The common European marmot (A. Marmotta) is about the size of a rabbit, and inhabits the higher regions of the Alps and Pyrenees. The bobac is another European species. The common American species (A. Monax) is the woodchuck. 2. Any one of several species of ground squirrels or gophers of the genus Spermophilus; also, the prairie dog. <zoology> Marmot squirrel, a ground squirrel or spermophile. Prairie marmot. See Prairie dog. Origin: It. Marmotta, marmotto, prob. Fr. L. Mus montanus, or mus montis, lit, mountain mouse or rat. See Mountain, and Mouse. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| marmota | A genus of sciuridae consisting of 14 species. They are shortlegged, burrowing rodents which hibernate in winter. (12 Dec 1998) |