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Definition of dicrostonyx

dicrostonyx

/daɪˈkrɑːstənɪks/
di · cros · to · nyx
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dicrostonyx Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A genus of small Arctic rodents in the family Cricetidae, commonly known as collared lemmings, native to the tundra regions of North America and Eurasia and distinguished by turning completely white in winter and developing specialized bifid claws for digging in snow.

Example

"Ecologists studied the population cycles of Dicrostonyx in the Canadian Arctic to better understand the hunting patterns of local snowy owls."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dicrostonyx

• Nearby Words

dicentra
dickcissel
dicranocercus
dicrostonyx
dictatrix
dictionary
dieffenbachia

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'dikroos' (forked) and 'stonyx' (sharp point), referring to the specialized, double-pointed digging claws these lemmings develop during the winter months.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Dicrostonyx. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/dicrostonyx
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