pouched rat

noun

1. pocket gopher.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pouched rat¹

An Americanism dating back to 1820–30

Example Sentences

The rats were provided by a Tanzania-based organization that is training African giant pouched rats to combat wildlife trafficking, detect diseases and perform other useful tasks.

From Seattle Times

The monkeypox virus is primarily found in Central and West Africa, particularly in areas close to tropical rainforests — and rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats and dormice have all been identified as potential carriers.

From New York Times

In a 2003 outbreak in the United States, a shipment of Gambian pouched rats imported from Africa transmitted monkeypox to prairie dogs, which then infected 71 Americans.

From New York Times

It is primarily found in Central and West Africa, particularly in areas close to tropical rainforests — and rope squirrels, tree squirrels, Gambian pouched rats and dormice have all been identified as potential carriers.

From New York Times

African giant pouched rats are believed to be especially well-suited for land mine clearance because their small size lets them walk across mine fields without triggering the explosives.

From Seattle Times