/jerr"beuhl/ , n.
1. any of numerous small burrowing rodents of the genus Gerbillus and related genera, of Asia, Africa, and southern Russia, having long hind legs used for jumping.
2. Also called tamarisk gerbil . a jird, Meriones unguiculatus, that is popular as a pet. Also called sand rat .
[ 1840-50; gerbille gerbillus, dim. of gerbo JERBOA ]