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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)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of desman1

1765–75; < Swedish, short for desman-råtta muskrat
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Word History and Origins

Origin of desman1

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

Desman, des′man, n. a kind of musk-rat, found in Russia and the Pyrenees.

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D. ès L.desmid

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