beaver
beaver Lexical Profile
beaver Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, semi-aquatic, herbivorous rodent of the family Castoridae, native to North America and Eurasia, distinguished by its stout body, webbed hind feet, broad flat tail, and habit of building dams and lodges.
"The beaver systematically gnawed through the thick trunk of the willow tree to gather materials for its dam."
The dense fur or pelt of a beaver, historically highly valued for making felt hats and cold-weather trimmings.
"During the 19th-century fur trade, trappers extensively hunted the animal to supply the European demand for high-quality beaver."
An exceptionally industrious or hard-working person.
"He is a real beaver when it comes to organizing data and finishing his assignments ahead of schedule."
• verb
To work hard and industriously at a task (typically used with the particle 'away').
"She was beavering away at her desk all evening to complete the annual financial report."
• Rhymes for beaver
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'beofor', stemming from Proto-Germanic '*bebruz' and ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'brown'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.