Squirrel

Squirrel Squir"rel (skw[~e]r"r[e^]l or skw[i^]r"-; 277), n. [OE. squirel, OF. esquirel, escurel, F. ['e]cureuil, LL. squirelus, squirolus, scuriolus, dim. of L. sciurus, Gr. si`oyros; skia` shade + o'yra` tail. Cf. {Shine}, v. i.] 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small rodents belonging to the genus {Sciurus} and several allied genera of the family {Sciurid[ae]}. Squirrels generally have a bushy tail, large erect ears, and strong hind legs. They are commonly arboreal in their habits, but many species live in burrows. [1913 Webster]

Note: Among the common North American squirrels are the gray squirrel ({Sciurus Carolinensis}) and its black variety; the fox, or cat, squirrel ({Sciurus cinereus}, or {Sciurus niger}) which is a large species, and variable in color, the southern variety being frequently black, while the northern and western varieties are usually gray or rusty brown; the red squirrel (see {Chickaree}); the striped, or chipping, squirrel (see {Chipmunk}); and the California gray squirrel ({Sciurus fossor}). Several other species inhabit Mexico and Central America. The common European species ({Sciurus vulgaris}) has a long tuft of hair on each ear. The so-called Australian squirrels are marsupials. See {Petaurist}, and {Phalanger}. [1913 Webster]

2. One of the small rollers of a carding machine which work with the large cylinder. [1913 Webster]

{Barking squirrel} (Zo["o]l.), the prairie dog.

{Federation squirrel} (Zo["o]l.), the striped gopher. See {Gopher}, 2.

{Flying squirrel} (Zo["o]l.). See {Flying squirrel}, in the Vocabulary.

{Java squirrel}. (Zo["o]l.). See {Jelerang}.

{Squirrel corn} (Bot.), a North American herb ({Dicentra Canadensis}) bearing little yellow tubers.

{Squirrel cup} (Bot.), the blossom of the {Hepatica triloba}, a low perennial herb with cup-shaped flowers varying from purplish blue to pink or even white. It is one of the earliest flowers of spring.

{Squirrel fish}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) A sea bass ({Serranus fascicularis}) of the Southern United States. (b) The sailor's choice ({Diplodus rhomboides}). (c) The redmouth, or grunt. (d) A market fish of Bermuda ({Holocentrum Ascensione}).

{Squirrel grass} (Bot.), a pestiferous grass ({Hordeum murinum}) related to barley. In California the stiffly awned spikelets work into the wool of sheep, and into the throat, flesh, and eyes of animals, sometimes even producing death.

{Squirrel hake} (Zo["o]l.), a common American hake ({Phycis tenuis}); -- called also {white hake}.

{Squirrel hawk} (Zo["o]l.), any rough-legged hawk; especially, the California species {Archibuteo ferrugineus}.

{Squirrel monkey}. (Zo["o]l.) (a) Any one of several species of small, soft-haired South American monkeys of the genus {Callithrix}. They are noted for their graceful form and agility. See {Teetee}. (b) A marmoset.

{Squirrel petaurus} (Zo["o]l.), a flying phalanger of Australia. See {Phalanger}, {Petaurist}, and {Flying phalanger} under {Flying}.

{Squirrel shrew} (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of East Indian and Asiatic insectivores of the genus {Tupaia}. They are allied to the shrews, but have a bushy tail, like that of a squirrel.

{Squirrel-tail grass} (Bot.), a grass ({Hordeum jubatum}) found in salt marshes and along the Great Lakes, having a dense spike beset with long awns. [1913 Webster]