First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1mouse
noun \ˈmau̇s\
: a very small animal that has a pointed nose and a long, thin tail
: a small device that is connected to a computer and that you move with your hand to control the movement of a pointer on the computer screen
plural mice \ˈmīs\
Full Definition of MOUSE
1
: any of numerous small rodents (as of the genus Mus) with pointed snout, rather small ears, elongated body, and slender tail
2
: a timid person
3
: a dark-colored swelling caused by a blow; specifically : black eye
4
plural also mous·es : a small mobile manual device that controls movement of the cursor and selection of functions on a computer display
See mouse defined for English-language learners
See mouse defined for kids
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Origin of MOUSE
Middle English, from Old English mūs; akin to Old High German mūs mouse, Latin mus, Greek mys mouse, muscle
2mouse
verb \ˈmau̇z\
mousedmous·ing
Definition of MOUSE
intransitive verb
1
: to hunt for mice
2
: to search or move stealthily or slowly
transitive verb
2
: to search for carefully —usually used with out
First Known Use of MOUSE
13th century
Related to MOUSE
MOUSE Defined for Kids
mouse
noun \ˈmau̇s\
plural mice \ˈmīs\
Definition of MOUSE for Kids
1
: a very small furry gnawing animal that is a rodent with a pointed snout and long slender tail
2
: a person without spirit or courage
3
plural also mous·es : a small movable device that is connected to a computer and used to move the cursor and select functions on the screen
— mouse·like \ˈmau̇s-ˌlīk\ adjective
Medical Dictionary
mouse
noun \ˈmau̇s\
plural mice \ˈmīs\
Medical Definition of MOUSE
1
: any of numerous small rodents with pointed snout, rather small ears, elongated body, and slender hairless or sparsely haired tail, including all the smaller members of the genus Mus (as the medically significant house mouse, M. musculus) and many members of other rodent genera and families having little more in common than their relatively small size
2
: a dark-colored swelling caused by a blow; specifically : black eye
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