What does xerus mean?
The xerus is a zoological name for an African ground squirrel in the genus Xerus. These largely terrestrial rodents inhabit open country in parts of Africa and include the striped ground squirrel, recognizable by its reddish-brown coat and pale stripes. In ordinary English, xerus is uncommon and appears chiefly in wildlife literature, species accounts, and scientific discussion, where it may refer either to the genus as a whole or to a particular member of the group. The plural xeruses is standard in modern English, while the form xeri is also used. Xerus should not be confused with xerox, an unrelated word associated with copying and reproducing documents. Although it may sound like a modern scientific invention, its name comes from the ancient Greek xēros, meaning “dry.” The same root appears in familiar English words such as xeric, xerophyte, and xerography, making xerus an interesting example of how a specialist zoological term can preserve the history of its source language.
nounAn African ground squirrel belonging to the zoological genus Xerus, including the striped ground squirrel.
- An African ground squirrel of the genus Xerus.
"A xerus paused beside its burrow, its striped coat blending with the dry grass."
"The xerus emerged from its burrow and scanned the grassland for food."
"The red xerus, also called the striped ground squirrel, is native to western Africa."
The plural xeruses is standard in modern English usage, although xeri remains established in zoological and dictionary usage.
"Researchers observed several xeruses near the colony's entrance."
Meet the xerus: an African ground squirrel whose name comes from a Greek word for “dry.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of xerus
The word originated as the New Latin generic name Xerus for a group of African ground squirrels. It derives from the ancient Greek adjective xēros, meaning “dry,” which also underlies English words such as xeric, xerophyte, and xerography. In modern usage, capitalized Xerus usually identifies the zoological genus, while lowercase xerus can function as a common name for an individual animal.
How xerus is actually used
This is a specialized zoological term that is uncommon in everyday English. It appears mainly in wildlife writing, natural-history accounts, and taxonomic discussion. Capitalized Xerus normally denotes the scientific genus.
Easily confused with xerus
A xerus is an African ground squirrel, whereas a xerox is a machine or process used to reproduce documents.