First Known Use: 1607
Dictionary
hamster
noun ham·ster \ˈham(p)-stər\
: a small animal that is often kept as a pet
Full Definition of HAMSTER
: any of a subfamily (Cricetinae) of small Old World rodents having very large cheek pouches
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Origin of HAMSTER
German, from Old High German hamustro, of Slavic origin; akin to Old Russian choměstorŭ hamster, of Iranian origin; akin to Avestan hamaēstar- oppressor
HAMSTER Defined for Kids
hamster
noun ham·ster \ˈham-stər\
Definition of HAMSTER for Kids
: a stocky rodent with a short tail and large cheek pouches
Medical Dictionary
hamster
noun ham·ster \ˈham(p)-stər\
Medical Definition of HAMSTER
: any of numerous Old World rodents (Cricetus or a related genus) having very large cheek pouches and including several used as laboratory animals
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