agouti

noun

Meaning

A South or Central American rodent belonging to the genus Dasyprocta, known for its ability to crack open hard-shelled nuts with its strong teeth.

Examples

  • The agouti paused in the undergrowth, its ears twitching at the sound of a distant jaguar.
  • Unlike many other rodents, the agouti buries seeds in the forest floor, accidentally helping to plant new trees.

Synonyms: rodent, cavy