n. pl.

[NL. See Rodent, a.]
(Zoöl.) An order of mammals having two (rarely four) large incisor teeth in each jaw, distant from the molar teeth. The rats, squirrels, rabbits, marmots, and beavers belong to this order.

Note: The incisor teeth are long, curved, and strongly enameled on the outside, so as to keep a cutting edge. They have a persistent pulp and grow continuously.

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IN BRIEF: n. - Small gnawing animals: porcupines.