short-tailed shrew: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific; occasionally metaphorical in literary or journalistic registers.
Quick answer
What does “short-tailed shrew” mean?
A small, insectivorous mammal of the genus Blarina, native to North America, characterized by a very short tail, a pointed snout, and a venomous bite.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, insectivorous mammal of the genus Blarina, native to North America, characterized by a very short tail, a pointed snout, and a venomous bite.
In broader biological or ecological contexts, it can refer to any shrew species with a characteristically short tail, though typically it is the common name for Blarina species. It is also used metaphorically to describe something small, energetic, voracious, or possessing hidden potency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is primarily used in American English due to the species' native range. In British English, it is a technical zoological term, as the native shrews (e.g., the common shrew) have longer tails. The metaphorical use is almost exclusively American.
Connotations
In American contexts, it may evoke familiarity with local wildlife. In British contexts, it is a more exotic, textbook term.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general British English; low-to-medium in relevant American scientific, educational, or naturalist writing.
Grammar
How to Use “short-tailed shrew” in a Sentence
The [adjective] short-tailed shrew [verb]...A short-tailed shrew's [noun]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “short-tailed shrew” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- The ecosystem seemed to be short-tailed-shrewed by the rapid influx of the voracious little mammals. (Highly creative/rare)
adjective
American English
- He had a short-tailed-shrew intensity about him. (Metaphorical, rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in biology, ecology, and zoology papers discussing small mammal communities, venom evolution, or metabolic rates.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by gardeners, hikers, or naturalists in North America.
Technical
Standard term in mammalogy, field guides, and wildlife management documents.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “short-tailed shrew”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “short-tailed shrew”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short-tailed shrew”
- Incorrect hyphenation: 'short tailed shrew'. Correct: 'short-tailed shrew'.
- Using it as a general term for any shrew.
- Pronouncing 'shrew' to rhyme with 'screw' (/ʃruː/, not /skruː/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a rodent. It is an insectivore, belonging to the order Eulipotyphla, which also includes moles and hedgehogs.
While its venom can cause significant pain, swelling, and numbness in humans, it is not considered life-threatening to healthy adults. The bite is primarily adapted for immobilizing its invertebrate prey.
The most obvious difference is tail length relative to body size. Short-tailed shrews (Blarina) have tails less than 25% of their body length, while common shrews (Sorex) have tails about 50% of their body length. Short-tailed shrews are also more robust and possess venomous saliva.
Yes, but it is quite rare. It is used to describe a person or entity that is small, seemingly innocuous, but remarkably energetic, voracious, or potent in its actions.
A small, insectivorous mammal of the genus Blarina, native to North America, characterized by a very short tail, a pointed snout, and a venomous bite.
Short-tailed shrew is usually technical/scientific; occasionally metaphorical in literary or journalistic registers. in register.
Short-tailed shrew: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːt.teɪld ˈʃruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːrt.teɪld ˈʃruː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare] To work like a short-tailed shrew: to work with frantic, relentless energy.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHORT tail, but a SHREW'd (shrewd) predator with a powerful bite.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A SMALL ENTITY WITH DISPROPORTIONATE POTENCY / HIDDEN DANGER (e.g., 'That quiet analyst is the short-tailed shrew of the finance department.').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary geographical context for the common use of 'short-tailed shrew'?