GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Desman , n. [Cf. Sw. desman musk.] (Zool.) An amphibious, insectivorous mammal found in Russia (Myogale moschata). It is allied to the moles, but is called muskrat by some English writers. [Written also dæsman.]
         
       

2.       
   Muskrat , n.
   (Zool.) A North American aquatic fur-bearing rodent (Ondatra zibethica formerly Fiber zibethicus).  It resembles a rat in color and having a long scaly tail, but the tail is compressed, the hind feet are webbed, and the ears are concealed in the fur.  It has scent glands which secrete a substance having a strong odor of musk.  Called also musquash, musk beaver, ondatra, and sometimes water rat.
   1913 Webster
   +PJC
   (Zool.) The musk shrew.
   1913 Webster
   (Zool.) The desman.
   1913 Webster