shrew mole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowScientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “shrew mole” mean?
A small, insectivorous mammal belonging to the family Talpidae that resembles a shrew in its elongated snout and small eyes, but is a true mole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, insectivorous mammal belonging to the family Talpidae that resembles a shrew in its elongated snout and small eyes, but is a true mole.
The term refers to several species of moles in the subfamily Uropsilinae (Asian shrew moles) and tribe Neurotrichini (American shrew mole). They are characterized by a less fossorial (burrowing) lifestyle than typical moles and often forage in leaf litter.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The term is used identically in scientific contexts. The American shrew mole (*Neurotrichus gibbsii*) is a specific species, while 'shrew mole' can also refer to Asian genera.
Connotations
Purely zoological/biological. No cultural connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse. Encountered almost exclusively in zoology, wildlife biology, or specialized nature writing.
Grammar
How to Use “shrew mole” in a Sentence
The [adjective] shrew mole is native to...Shrew moles, unlike typical moles, [verb]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biology and zoology papers to describe specific taxa.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term in mammalogy and field guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shrew mole”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shrew mole”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shrew mole”
- Using it as a general term for any small mole.
- Confusing it with the unrelated 'shrew'.
- Misspelling as 'shrew-mole' (hyphen is sometimes used but less standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a type of mole (family Talpidae). The name refers to its physical resemblance to shrews, not its taxonomy.
American shrew moles are found in the Pacific Northwest of North America. Asian shrew moles (e.g., Chinese shrew mole) are found in parts of China and Myanmar.
Shrew moles are generally smaller, have less powerful forelimbs for digging, more prominent tails, and they forage more in surface leaf litter rather than in deep tunnel systems.
No, it is a specialized zoological term. The average native English speaker is unlikely to know or use it.
A small, insectivorous mammal belonging to the family Talpidae that resembles a shrew in its elongated snout and small eyes, but is a true mole.
Shrew mole is usually scientific/technical in register.
Shrew mole: in British English it is pronounced /ʃruː məʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃruː moʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: It's a 'shrew' (pointy nose) that decided to become a 'mole' (but isn't very good at digging deep).
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this technical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of a shrew mole?