cottontail rabbit

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Explanation of "Cottontail Rabbit"

Definition:
A "cottontail rabbit" is a small rabbit found mainly in North America. It has greyish or brownish fur and a distinctive tail that is white on the underside, which looks like cotton.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, you might discuss the ecological role of cottontail rabbits or their behavior in the wild. For example: "Cottontail rabbits are an important part of the ecosystem, serving as prey for various predators."

Word Variants:

• Cottontails: This is a plural form, used when talking about more than one cottontail rabbit. Example: "The field was full of cottontails."

Different Meanings:

The term "cottontail" can sometimes be used informally to describe any rabbit with a fluffy white tail, but it is most commonly associated with the specific species of rabbit in North America.

Synonyms:

• Rabbit: A more general term that can refer to any rabbit, but not specifically to the cottontail.
• Bunny: A cute, informal term often used for rabbits, especially young ones.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "cottontail rabbit," you might encounter phrases like: - "Hopping around like a rabbit": This means moving quickly or energetically from one place to another.

Summary:

The "cottontail rabbit" is a small, common rabbit found in North America, recognizable by its greyish or brownish fur and white-tailed underside.

Academic

Noun

1. common small rabbit of North America having greyish or brownish fur and a tail with a white underside; a host for Ixodes pacificus and Ixodes scapularis (Lyme disease ticks)

Synonyms

• wood rabbit
• cottontail