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Mouse Meaning: Computer Device & Rodent Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：computer mouse (Mouse)

Mouse 🔊

/maʊs/

A small device you move with your hand to control the pointer on a computer screen. You click its buttons to select things.

computer mouse 🔊

➕

/kəmˈpjuːtər maʊs/

A handheld hardware device that controls the cursor on a computer screen. It detects motion relative to a surface and has buttons for clicking.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'mus' (rodent); computer device named for resemblance.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a mouse scurrying (animal) or a mouse clicking (device).

📖 Example

The designer moved the mouse quickly across the desk to adjust the image on her screen. 🔊 The designer moved the mouse quickly across the desk to adjust the image on her screen.

🔗 Collocations

mouse pointer – the visual symbol on screen controlled by the mouse

click the mouse – press the mouse button

optical mouse – a mouse that uses light to track movement

🔄 Synonyms

mouse device (n.) – another term for a computer mouse

pointing device (n.) – a general term for devices like mice and trackpads

trackpad (n.) – a touch-sensitive pad that serves a similar function

🌱 Derivatives

mouseless (adj.) – without a mouse

mousepad (n.) – a surface for using a mouse

mousetrap (n.) – a device for catching mice (also a computer game)

📖 Cultural Story

The computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964. Its cord resembled a mouse's tail, inspiring the name. The first mouse was made of wood.

Meaning 2：small rodent (Mouse)

Mouse 🔊

/maʊs/

A very small animal with fur, a pointed nose, and a long thin tail. Some live in fields or houses, and some are kept as pets.

small rodent 🔊

➕

/smɔːl ˈroʊdənt/

A small mammal with pointed snout, round ears, and a long tail. Often found in fields or human dwellings; some species are kept as pets.

📁 Category：Animal Protection 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

My little brother was delighted when we got him a white pet mouse for his birthday. 🔊 My little brother was delighted when we got him a white pet mouse for his birthday.

🔗 Collocations

field mouse – a mouse that lives in open country

white mouse – a common pet mouse with white fur

mouse trap – a device to catch mice

🔄 Synonyms

rodent (n.) – a small mammal of the order Rodentia, including mice and rats

mousie (n.) – a cute or affectionate term for a mouse

vermin (n.) – a term for pests like mice that damage property

🚫 Antonyms

cat (n.) – a natural predator of mice

🌱 Derivatives

mousy (adj.) – resembling a mouse in color or quietness

mousehole (n.) – a small hole where a mouse enters

mousehunt (n.) – an activity of hunting mice