star-nosed mole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Scientific, academic, nature documentary; occasionally general informational.
Quick answer
What does “star-nosed mole” mean?
A small, semi-aquatic mole species (Condylura cristata) native to eastern North America, distinguished by 22 pink, fleshy appendages surrounding its nose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, semi-aquatic mole species (Condylura cristata) native to eastern North America, distinguished by 22 pink, fleshy appendages surrounding its nose.
The animal is often cited in biology as a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation and sensory specialization due to its unique nasal structure, which functions as a highly sensitive touch organ.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The animal is not native to Britain, so the term is used identically but less frequently in British English, primarily in scientific/zoological contexts.
Connotations
Connotes scientific curiosity, evolutionary biology, and unique animal adaptation in both varieties.
Frequency
Substantially more common in American English due to the animal's habitat.
Grammar
How to Use “star-nosed mole” in a Sentence
The [scientist/zoologist] studied the {star-nosed mole}.A {star-nosed mole} was discovered near the {stream}.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “star-nosed mole” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It was a star-nosed-mole burrow.
- The star-nosed-mole research was groundbreaking.
American English
- It was a star-nosed-mole tunnel.
- The star-nosed-mole study was published.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Frequently used in biology, zoology, and neuroscience papers discussing sensory systems or convergent evolution.
Everyday
Used in nature documentaries, wildlife articles, or trivia contexts.
Technical
Used in taxonomic and ethological descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “star-nosed mole”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “star-nosed mole”
- Star-nosed-mole (incorrect hyphenation)
- Star nosed mole (missing hyphen)
- Starnosed mole (incorrect compounding)
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is native to low-elevation, wet areas of eastern North America, from Canada to the northeastern United States.
It is insectivorous, feeding primarily on small invertebrates like worms, insects, and aquatic organisms.
The 22 fleshy rays (appendages) are covered in tiny sensory organs called Eimer's organs, allowing the mole to detect and interpret touch sensations with extreme speed and precision, essential for foraging in its dark, wet environment.
It has tiny eyes and very poor eyesight, like most moles. It relies almost entirely on its sense of touch and smell to navigate and find food.
A small, semi-aquatic mole species (Condylura cristata) native to eastern North America, distinguished by 22 pink, fleshy appendages surrounding its nose.
Star-nosed mole is usually scientific, academic, nature documentary; occasionally general informational. in register.
Star-nosed mole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɑː nəʊzd məʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɑːr noʊzd moʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a movie STAR with a giant, fleshy nose shaped like a star, digging holes like a MOLE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary scientific significance of the star-nosed mole?