lemming
English
Etymology
From Norwegian, from Old Norse lómundr (“lemming”), perhaps from Sami luomek
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /lɛm.ɪŋ/
- Rhymes: -ɛmɪŋ
Noun
lemming (plural lemmings)
- A small Arctic and Subarctic rodent from any of six genera of similar rodents.
- (figuratively) Any member of a group given to conformity or groupthink, especially a group poised to follow a leader off a cliff.
Derived terms
- bog lemmings, Synaptomys spp.
- collared lemmings, Dicrostonyx spp.
- steppe lemming, Lagurus lagurus
- true lemmings, Lemmus spp.
- wood lemming, Myopus schisticolor
- yellow steppe lemmings, Eolagurus spp.
Translations
rodent
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member of a group given to conformity or groupthink
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Dutch
Pronunciation
-
audio (file)
Noun
lemming m (plural lemmingen or lemmings, diminutive lemminkje n)
- lemming (rodent)
Anagrams
French
Noun
lemming m (plural lemmings)
Further reading
- “lemming” in le Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).
Portuguese
Noun
lemming m (plural lemmings)
- Alternative form of lémingue
Spanish
Noun
lemming m (plural lemmings)
- lemming (rodent)
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