LEMMING

lemming

(noun) any of various short-tailed furry-footed rodents of circumpolar distribution

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

lemming (plural lemmings)

A small Arctic and Subarctic rodent from any of six genera of similar rodents.

(figuratively) Any member of a group given to conformity or groupthink, especially a group poised to follow a leader off a cliff.

Source: Wiktionary


Lem"ming, n. Etym: [Nor. lemming, lemende; cf. Sw. lemel, Lapp. lummik.] (Zoöl.)

Definition: Any one of several species of small arctic rodents of the genera Myodes and Cuniculus, resembling the meadow mice in form. They are found in both hemispheres.

Note: The common Northern European lemming (Myodes lemmus) is remarkable for making occasional devastating migrations in enormous numbers from the mountains into the lowlands.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

23 May 2025

THOUGHTFULLY

(adverb) showing consideration and thoughtfulness; “he had thoughtfully brought with him some food to share”


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Coffee Trivia

In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.

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