desert rat

The term 'desert rat' can refer to certain rodents adapted to desert life, soldiers from a specific WWII division, or people accustomed to desert living.

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Definition

B2Biology

(technical)A small rodent species adapted to living in arid regions, such as gerbils, kangaroo rats, or jerboas.

Example

  • The desert rat has evolved to survive with minimal water intake.
  • Gerbils are one type of desert rat commonly found in Africa and Asia.

C1Military

(historical)A member of the British 7th Armoured Division that fought in North Africa during World War II.

Example

  • The Desert Rats played a crucial role in the North African campaign.
  • My grandfather was a proud Desert Rat in World War II.

B2Colloquial

(informal, regional)A person who lives in or is native to desert regions, often implying ruggedness or adaptation to harsh conditions.

Example

  • He’s a true desert rat, having lived in the Mojave all his life.
  • Desert rats know how to find water in the most unlikely places.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "desert rat":

sand ratrock ratdesert haredesert rockdesert sandsand monkeyfield ratdesert oaktree ratdesert lilybush ratpack ratwater ratriver ratdesert candledesert roserice ratdesert willowshack ratdesert ironwoodspiny ratsand fox