Definition of the word beaver

The word "beaver" comes from the Old English word "bāber," which meant "b심ber." This etymology is linked to the beaver's keen ability to construct dams and lodges from tree branches and mud, forming large ponds and hiding places in forested areas. The word's reinforced meaning evolved to refer specifically to the semi-aquatic rodent we know today, Castor canadensis, which is native to North America. The beaver's impressive engineering skills and valuable fur served as critical resources for early European explorers, leading to significant trade and commerce. The term "beaver" has since expanded to apply to related species in Eurasia, as well as to products made from beaver fur, such as coats, hats, and supplementary pelts for later commercial use.