Mice Meaning and Definition
Mice
Pronunciation
/maɪsi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A species of rodent, characterized by its small size and pointed snout, often kept as pets or found in homes and gardens.
Examples
- Sam caught a mouse in his trap.
- We have a few mice running around the house.
Synonyms
- Mouse
- Rodent
Etymology
The word “mice” comes from the Old English word “mȳs”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*mātsiz”, related to the Proto-Indo-European root “*mezd”- to nibble or gnaw.
Usage Notes
In North American English, both “mice” and “mouse” are used to refer to a single rodent, while in British English, “mice” is used for multiple rodents, and “mouse” for a single rodent.
Additional Information
Mice are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and ability to adapt to different environments. They are omnivores and feed on a wide range of foods, including seeds, fruits, grains, and small insects.
Mice are also known to gnaw on various materials, including wood, plastic, and even electronic wires, causing damage to property and electrical systems.
Breeding domesticated mice is a popular hobby, and they are often kept as pets due to their friendly and affectionate nature.
Cultural References
In popular culture, mice have been featured in various stories, films, and video games, such as Mickey Mouse, Mouse Trap, and Minecraft.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- a cat and mouse game
- mice and men
Related Words or Phrases
- mouse
- rodent
- pet
Collocations
- to catch a mouse
- a mouse in the house
- to chase a mouse
Frequency of Use
The word “mice” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in reference to pest control, animal behavior, and domestic life.
Common Misspellings
- micee
- myce