Vole

Vole Vole, n. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of micelike rodents belonging to {Arvicola} and allied genera of the subfamily {Arvicolin[ae]}. They have a thick head, short ears, and a short hairy tail. [1913 Webster]

Note: The water vole, or water rat, of Europe ({Arvicola amphibius}) is a common large aquatic species. The short-tailed field vole ({Arvicola agrestis}) of Northern and Central Europe, and Asia, the Southern field vole ({Arvicola arvalis}), and the Siberian root vole ({Arvicola [oe]conomus}), are important European species. The common species of the Eastern United States ({Arvicola riparius}) (called also {meadow mouse}) and the prairie mouse ({Arvicola austerus}) are abundant, and often injurious to vegetation. Other species are found in Canada. [1913 Webster]