jumping mouse

noun

1. any of several primitive, mouselike rodents of the family Zapodidae, having long hind legs, common in the woodlands of Europe, Asia, and North America.

jumping mouse

noun

1. any long-tailed small mouselike rodent of the family Zapodidae, of North America, E Asia, and N and E Europe, having long hind legs specialized for leaping

Word History and Origins

Origin of jumping mouse¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

Fish and Wildlife Service are collecting tissue samples from 24 endangered mammal species, including the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, the Mexican wolf, and the Sonoran pronghorn.

From Science Magazine

The lawsuit said the agency failed to protect the jumping mouse from environmental damage caused by the horses.

From Washington Post

Print off the wildlife checklist before you go and watch for a Pacific jumping mouse and Roosevelt elk, among hundreds of finned, furred and feathered creatures listed.

From Seattle Times

With tails that make up most of their length, the rodents are called jumping mice because they can leap more than 2 feet into the air when frightened.

From Los Angeles Times

Aside from asking the court to force the Forest Service to develop stronger protections for the meadow jumping mouse, the lawsuit asks for the U.S.

From Washington Times