Cricetid

/kraɪˈsiːtɪd/ noun

Definition

A member of the family Cricetidae, which includes hamsters, voles, lemmings, and mice; a rodent from this family.

Etymology

From Cricetidae (the scientific family name) + '-id' (member of). The family name comes from the genus 'Cricetus,' itself from Greek 'kriketos' meaning hamster.

Kelly Says

Cricetids are some of the most important rodents for science—laboratory mice and rats are cricetids, and they've contributed to more medical breakthroughs than almost any other animal!

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