rōˈdench(ē)ə, -ntēə noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Latin, neuter plural of rodent-, rodens, present participle of rodere to gnaw
1. : an order of Eutheria comprising relatively small gnawing mammals with a single pair of upper incisors that grow from persistent pulps and bear enamel chiefly in front to produce a chisel-shaped edge — compare hystricomorpha , myomorpha , sciuromorpha
2. in some classifications : an order coextensive with Glires
• ro·den·tian -ən adjective or noun