Date:  Wed, 22 Mar 1995 16:20:15 MST

From:  Jim Venis <jimv%ccmailgw[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]IHS.COM>

Subject: Re: Rabbit = Rodent?



   Rabbits are not rodents. They are lagomorphs. --Jim





______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________

Subject: Rabbit = Rodent?

Author: American Dialect Society <ADS-L[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]uga.cc.uga.edu> at Internet

Date:  3/22/95 4:14 pm





I'm involved in a discussion regarding whether or not rabbits are

rodents. My understanding is that the word "rodent" was derived from the

French "rodere" (to gnaw), and can correctly be used to describe any of

the order Rodentia *or* the order Lagomorpha (which includes rabbits), as

well as various small, gnawing mammals (such as the shrew). However,

I've also seen the word used as a taxon to describe members of the order

Rodentia exclusively.



Can anyone provide an authoritative definition, and/or information

regarding this word's etymology? I'd be most appreciative.



RES



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