How Do You Spell JERBOA?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒɜːbˈə͡ʊə] (IPA)

The word "jerboa" is spelled with a "j" as it originates from Arabic, where the letter "jim" (ج) represents the sound /ʒ/ (as in "measure"). The sound /ʒ/ is also found in English words like "treasure" or "pleasure". The phonetic transcription of "jerboa" is /dʒɜrˈboʊə/, with the stressed syllable being the second one ("bo"). A jerboa is a small nocturnal rodent native to Asia and Africa that is characterized by long hind legs and a long tail.

JERBOA Meaning and Definition

  1. A jerboa is a small rodent belonging to the Dipodidae family, characterized by its long hind legs, elongated tail, and distinctive ability to hop like a kangaroo. It is native to the deserts and grasslands of Asia and Northern Africa.

    With an average length ranging from 5 to 15 centimeters and weighing between 23 to 170 grams, jerboas have adapted to their arid habitats by developing certain unique features. They possess enlarged hind limbs, which aid in fast and long leaps, allowing them to traverse the desert sands swiftly and efficiently. Their long, tufted tail provides balance during these high-speed jumps.

    The jerboa's body is covered with soft fur that effectively insulates them from temperature extremes in their environment. Their ears are large, providing exceptional hearing to detect any potential predators in the vicinity. They have keen eyesight as well, enabling them to spot food sources and detect threats.

    Jerboas are omnivorous, with their diet consisting of seeds, insects, and plant matter. They have adapted to extract moisture from their food, reducing their reliance on water sources in their barren habitats. These small creatures are primarily nocturnal, seeking refuge in burrows during the day to avoid the intense heat.

    Their distinctive appearance and uncommon locomotion make jerboas intriguing creatures. They have garnered attention from biologists and researchers due to their fascinating adaptation to desert life and continue to be a subject of study to gain further insight into their unique evolutionary traits.

  2. The leaping-mouse; a small rodent or gnawer having very long hind legs, and very short fore ones.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for JERBOA

  • herboa
  • nerboa
  • merboa
  • kerboa
  • ierboa
  • uerboa
  • jwrboa
  • jsrboa
  • jdrboa
  • jrrboa
  • j4rboa
  • j3rboa
  • jeeboa
  • jedboa
  • jefboa
  • jetboa
  • je5boa
  • je4boa
  • jervoa

Etymology of JERBOA

The word "jerboa" originated from the Arabic word "yarbu", which means "he leaped" or "he jumped". The term was adopted into English from the French word "jerboa" in the late 17th century. The French term was derived from the Italian "gerboa" or "gerbola", which came from the Arabic root. The word specifically refers to a type of small rodent belonging to the family Dipodidae, known for its ability to leap long distances.

Similar spelling words for JERBOA

Plural form of JERBOA is JERBOAS

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