I
Any of many species (family Muridae) of small, scampering
They are distinguished from rats principally by their smaller size. Mice are basically Asian in origin, but species have been introduced worldwide. Species in other rodent families (e.g., deer mouse , pocket mouse ) are called mice without scientific basis. Mice eat grains, roots, fruit, grass, and insects. They can become pests but are mostly beneficial; they are the main prey of most furbearers and of predators that might otherwise take more valuable prey. The white laboratory mouse is a form of house mouse . See also field mouse .
II
Hand-controlled electromechanical device for interacting with a digital computer that has a graphical user interface .
The mouse can be moved around on a flat surface to control the movement of a cursor on the computer display screen. Equipped with one or more buttons, it can be used to select text, activate programs, or move items around the screen by quickly pressing and releasing one of the buttons ("clicking") or by keeping a button depressed while moving the device ("clicking and dragging").
III
[c mediumvioletred] (as used in expressions)
mouse deer
deer mouse
white footed mouse
field mouse
wood mouse
{{link=house mouse">house mouse
Mickey Mouse
pocket mouse