What is brown rat? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of brown rat in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of brown rat

brown ratnoun

chuột nâu

/ˌbraʊn ˈræt//ˌbraʊn ˈræt/

Where does the word brown rat come from?

The scientific name of the common house rat, often referred to as the brown rat, is Rattus norvegicus. The term "brown rat" comes from the color of their fur, specifically the color of the upper parts of their body, which is a yellowish-brown hue. The word "rat" is derived from the Old Norse word "rāt," meaning "one who rubs or gnaws." In the 18th century, the brown rat became a common pest in Europe's urban areas, as it thrived in the sewers, grain stores, and other unsanitary environments that developed with the industrial revolution. The brown rat is now found all over the world and is considered a major health concern because of its ability to spread diseases such as leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome through its urine, feces, and saliva. The scientific name, Rattus norvegicus, originated during the 1700s when the brown rat was introduced to Norway by sailors. These rats, which were initially a strain of wild rats found in Asia, were carried by ships to Norway and caused significant problems by consuming the population's food supplies. It is believed that the name "norvegicus" was chosen because the rats were first identified and classified in Norway. However, the name has since been associated with the brown rat because it causes many issues in many Norwegian towns and cities. In summary, the word "brown rat" is a descriptive term for the color of their fur, and the term rat itself has a historical origin rooted in Norse culture. The name "norvegicus" is less directly related to the brown rat's characteristics and more tied to where it first caused problems.

Example of vocabulary brown ratnamespace

  • The scientific name for the common brown rat is Rattus norvegicus, a species that has become a widespread pest in urban areas.
  • Brown rats are known to carry diseases such as Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and Hantavirus, which can pose a significant health risk to humans.
  • The brown rat's preference for grains and vegetables makes it a major agricultural pest, causing damage to crops and stored foods.
  • The brown rat's adaptability to different environments has contributed to its success as an invasive species, spreading to new areas both intentionally and unintentionally.
  • Brown rats commonly infest sewers, drains, and other underground areas, resulting in unpleasant odors and potential structural damage to buildings.

Synonyms and related words for brown rat


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