/musk"rat'/ , n. , pl. muskrats , ( esp. collectively ) muskrat .
1. a large, aquatic, North American rodent, Ondatra zibethica, having a musky odor.
2. its thick, light-brown fur, used for coats, for hats, as a trimming, etc.
[ 1680-90, Amer.; alter., by folk etym., of MUSQUASH ]