Word: Mouse

Pronunciation

/maʊs/

Definitions

• Noun: A small rodent with a pointed snout, typically having a long tail, large ears, and a high-pitched voice. For example: “The cat caught a mouse in the kitchen.”

  • In computing, a mouse (computer mouse) is a handheld pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface and typically translates that motion into the motion of a pointer on a display screen. Example: “She moved the cursor on the screen using her computer mouse.”

• Verb: (transitive) To track or search for something or someone persistently and carefully, often with the intention to catch or trap. Example: “The cat moused around the garden all night.”

Phrases

• “To play cat and mouse” means to engage in a teasing or manipulative relationship where one person has power over the other.
• “Quiet as a mouse” describes someone or something being very quiet or unobtrusive.
• “Computer mouse” refers to the input device used with computers.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “I heard the rustling of a mouse in the walls.”
• Computing Noun: “Connect the mouse to your computer via USB cable.”
• Verb: “The terrier was expertly mousing along the hedgerow.”

Synonyms

• Rodent
• Rat (informal, smaller species)
• Pointer (in the context of a computer mouse)
• Trackball (alternative pointing device)

Phrasal Verbs

• Mouse around: To move the cursor on a computer screen randomly or aimlessly, often exploring different options or features. Example: “She moused around the website to find the contact information.”