mouse

noun (plural mice /mʌɪs/)

• 1a small rodent that typically has a pointed snout, relatively large ears and eyes, and a long tail.

  • Family Muridae: many genera and numerous species. Also, some species in the families Heteromyidae, Zapodidae, and Muscardinidae
• (in general use) any small mammal similar to a mouse, such as a shrew or vole.
• a shy, timid, and quiet person: Jane may be a bit of a mouse, but she is very nosy
• [mass noun] a dull light brown colour reminiscent of a mouse’s fur:her flaxen hair dulled to mouse

• 2 (plural mice or mouses) a small handheld device which is moved across a mat or flat surface to move the cursor on a computer screen: copy the file with a click of the mouse [as modifier]:the right mouse button

• 3 informal a lump or bruise on or near the eye: she touched the mouse under her eye

verb

• 1(of a cat or owl) hunt for or catch mice: female cats are usually much better at mousing than males

• 2 [with adverbial of direction] use a mouse to move or position a cursor on a computer screen:simply mouse over any item on the list