How Do You Spell MUSKRAT?

Pronunciation: [mˈʌskɹat] (IPA)

The word "muskrat" is spelled with a silent "k" in English. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈmʌskræt/. The "m" is pronounced as normal, followed by a short "u" sound as in "mug". The "s" is pronounced as "z" and the "k" is silent. The final syllable is pronounced as "rat" with a short "a" sound. Despite the unusual spelling, "muskrat" has become a commonly used word in English to describe a semi-aquatic rodent found in North America.

MUSKRAT Meaning and Definition

1. A muskrat is a semi-aquatic, medium-sized mammal belonging to the rodent family. Scientifically known as Ondatra zibethicus, this species is native to North America, inhabiting wetlands, marshes, rivers, and lakes across the continent. The muskrat has a robust, cylindrical body, typically measuring around 40-70 centimeters in length, with a long, hairless, scaly tail measuring about 20-30 centimeters. It is characterized by its relatively small, rounded ears and a pointed snout.

   Muskrats are well-adapted to their aquatic habitat, possessing partially-webbed hind feet that make them excellent swimmers. They have thick brown fur, which is water repellent and helps regulate body temperature. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic vegetation such as cattails, water lilies, and pondweeds, but they may also consume small fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

   These industrious creatures are known for their construction of lodges or burrows, which they build near the water's edge using cattails and other plant material. Their lodges typically have underwater entrances and chambers above the waterline, providing shelter and protection against predators. Muskrats are predominantly active at night, foraging for food and maintaining their dwelling.

   Muskrats play a significant ecological role by influencing wetland vegetation distribution, nutrient cycling, and providing a food source for various predators. They have also become a desirable species for trapping due to their soft, warm fur, which is sometimes used in the manufacturing of clothing and other items.

Top Common Misspellings for MUSKRAT *

• muscrat 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for MUSKRAT

• mustrad
• muskett
• musrt
• muscrats
• muskit
• muskerat
• muskratt
• euskara
• Musrab
• Cuskat
• muskerrat
• muscra
• Muheram

Etymology of MUSKRAT

The word "muskrat" has a straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words: "mus" and "rat".

The word "mus" comes from the Latin word "musculus", meaning "mouse" or "small rodent". Over time, this Latin term was adapted in various languages, including Old English, where it became "mus".

On the other hand, the word "rat" is from Middle English, originating from the Old English word "rætt", meaning "rat" or "rodent".

When these two words are combined, "mus" and "rat", they form "muskrat". This name describes a semi-aquatic rodent native to North America, known for its musky odor.

Plural form of MUSKRAT is MUSKRATS