desman

[ des-muhn ]

noun

, plural des·mans.

1. either of two aquatic, insectivorous mammals, Myogale moschata, of southeastern Russia, or M. pyrenaica, of the Pyrenees, related to shrews.

desman

/ ˈdɛsmən /

noun

1. either of two molelike amphibious mammals Desmana moschata ( Russian desman ) or Galemys pyrenaicus ( Pyrenean desman ), having dense fur and webbed feet: family Talpidae, order Insectivora (insectivores)

Word History and Origins

Origin of desman¹

1765–75; < Swedish, short for desman-råtta muskrat

Word History and Origins

Origin of desman¹

C18: from Swedish desmansråtta, from desman musk (of Germanic origin) + råtta rat

Example Sentences

“We’re really motivated as a team,” freshman linebacker Desman Stephens said.

From Los Angeles Times

Desman Stephens had played only a handful of snaps to this point, mostly in mop-up duty, but as the freshman linebacker peered over the line of scrimmage at Penn State’s offense Saturday, he could see the third-down play unfolding in his head.

From Los Angeles Times

Shawn Desman, a Canadian artist, explained to his followers why his videos had been muted and bemoaned that he no longer had the ability to share his music through TikTok.

From New York Times

“It is such an important tool for us to promote ourselves, our music, our creations,” Desman said in the video.

From New York Times

Mayfair 81, Murrieta Valley 79: Deacon and Desman Botts finished with 20 and 18 points, respectively, in Mayfair’s consolation championship win in the Ocean View tournament.

From Los Angeles Times