n. & adj.
n. any mammal of the order Rodentia with strong incisors and no canine teeth, e.g. rat, mouse, squirrel, beaver, porcupine.
adj. 1 of the order Rodentia. 2 gnawing (esp. Med. of slow-growing ulcers). rodent officer Brit. an official dealing with rodent pests. rodential adj.
[ L rodere ros- gnaw ]