Rodentia
/rə(ʊ)ˈdɛntɪə/ /rə(ʊ)ˈdɛnʃə/Zoology
noun
Treated as plural. An order of mammals that comprises the rodents or gnawing animals, which are characterized by having strong constantly-growing incisor teeth adapted for gnawing, and lacking canine teeth; (also in form rodentia) animals of this order (collectively or individually); rodents.
- The Rodentia comprise the largest order of mammals in both species and individuals and include squirrels, rats, mice, beavers, porcupines, guinea pigs, and their relatives. The lagomorphs (rabbits, hares, and pikas) were also formerly included in the Rodentia..
Origin
Early 19th century. From scientific Latin Rodentia, plural noun, lit. ‘gnawers’, specific use as noun of plural of classical Latin rōdent-, rōdēns, after French rongeurs, plural noun.