Ondatra
/ɒnˈdatrə/noun
Originally: †the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus ( obsolete ). In later use: the monotypic genus containing the muskrat.
- Valid publication of the genus name: H. F. Link Beyträge zur Naturgeschichte (1797) I. ii. 52..
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in Oliver Goldsmith (?1728–1774), author. From French ondatra, apparently from a Huron word.