jerboa

American  

[jer-boh-uh, jer-] / dʒərˈboʊ ə, dʒɛr- /

noun

1. any of various mouselike rodents of North Africa and Asia, as of the genera Jaculus and Dipus, with long hind legs used for jumping.

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jerboa British  

/ dʒɜːˈbəʊə /

noun

1. any small nocturnal burrowing rodent of the family Dipodidae, inhabiting dry regions of Asia and N Africa, having pale sandy fur, large ears, and long hind legs specialized for jumping

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Etymology

Origin of jerboa

1655–65; < New Latin < Arabic yarbūʿ; gerbil

Example Sentences

With its large ears and whiskered nose, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the jerboa for a mouse … at least from the stomach up.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 23, 2021

Other genes with different expression in the jerboa were ones that are ordinarily associated with turning off bone growth in mice.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 23, 2021

Indeed, the best footage here is captured at night, from the slinkings of the bizarre horned viper to the evasive tactics of the lesser jerboa, a tiny rodent with kangaroo-like hind legs.

From The Guardian • Feb. 22, 2013

The long-eared jerboa is an endangered species that's native to Mongolia and northern China.

From National Geographic

Then the jerboa raises himself to his full height and playfully measures his cage by one bound from corner to corner.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 841, February 13, 1892 by Various