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).
Phrases and idioms:
rodent officer Brit. an official dealing with rodent pests.
Derivatives:
rodential adj.
Etymology: L rodere ros- gnaw