Gliridae

/ɡlaɪˈreɪdiː/ noun

Definition

The family of small rodents known as dormice, which are sleep-loving creatures found mainly in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Etymology

From Latin 'glirēs' (dormice) + the scientific suffix '-idae' (family). The term directly names the family to which dormice belong in biological classification.

Kelly Says

Dormice are so legendary for their sleeping habits that Romans used to keep them as pets in pottery jars, waking them only to observe their slumber—the name literally comes from the Latin for 'dormouse'!

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