Etymology Map
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Rodent

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a gnawing mammal such as a rat

Where does the word "rodent" come from? It comes from Latin rodere, adopted directly into English (1830s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
rodere
Latin · ancient
"to gnaw"
the root of 'corrode' and 'erode'
2
Stage 2 of 2
rodent
English · 1830s
"gnawing animal"
coined by zoologists for the gnawing mammals
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Read the full story

Rodent’s story begins in Latin: rodere meant “to gnaw.” The root of 'corrode' and 'erode'. It reached English by 1830s as rodent. Coined by zoologists for the gnawing mammals. Today, rodent means a gnawing mammal such as a rat.