Lagomorph
Noun
- A mammal of the order Lagomorpha; a hare, rabbit, or pika.
Adjective
- Relating to or denoting lagomorphs.
Example Sentences
“The biologist clarified that he studied only lagomorphs, not other rodents.”
“The meadow was empty except for a single lagomorph grazing at the edge of the woods.”
“The first grade class had a pet lagomorph that spent each weekend at a different student’s house.”
Word Origin
Greek, late 19th century
Why this word?
There are differences between the species of rabbits and hares, but they both belong to the order of mammals called lagomorphs. These animals are most often found in the wild, but they can also be domesticated pets with the proper care. However, most children’s introduction to lagomorphs comes through classic literature. “The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter, tells the story of a family of anthropomorphic lagomorphs (rabbits that act like people). The mother warns her four rabbit children — Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter — about the dangers of a vegetable garden’s caretaker, but Peter risks it anyway. The story was originally published in 1902, but it remains one of the bestselling and most beloved children’s books of all time.