The correct plural form of the word "mouse" is "mice", however, some people use "mouses". The spelling "mouses" is not incorrect, but it is considered non-standard, informal or dialectal. The IPA phonetic transcription for "mouses" is /maʊzɪz/, which represents the sound of the word in English. Despite being linguistically acceptable, using "mouses" might be seen as unprofessional or incorrect in formal writing or speech. Therefore, it is advisable to use "mice" instead.
The term "mouses" is the plural form of the noun "mouse." A mouse is primarily defined as a small, typically nocturnal, and omnivorous mammal belonging to the order Rodentia and the family Muridae. They are characterized by a pointed snout, a long tail, and small rounded ears. Mice have a wide distribution and can be found in a variety of habitats worldwide.
In addition to the biological definition, "mouses" can also refer to the plural form of the noun "mouse" when used in the context of computer technology. It denotes a handheld input device used for controlling the cursor on a computer screen. A computer mouse typically has one or more buttons and a scroll wheel, and it is moved by sliding it across a flat surface. It serves as a user interface tool to navigate through graphical interfaces, select or open files, and interact with various software applications.
The term "mouses" can also be used as a verb in the third-person singular present tense. When used in this context, it denotes the action of a small mammal moving or scurrying about, particularly in search of food or shelter. It can also figuratively refer to someone conducting a search or investigation in a careful and thorough manner, often with the aim of finding hidden or elusive information.
The word "mouses" is the plural form of "mouse", referring to the small rodent. The etymology of "mouse" can be traced back to the Old English word "mus" which evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "musōn" meaning "mouse". It is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word *muHS- or *muHsneh- which represented small, quiet animals. From Old English, the word "mouse" has remained relatively unchanged in terms of form, both in its singular and plural forms.