desman

Definitions

Either of two species, Desmana moschata or Galemys pyrenaicus, of aquatic or semiaquatic insectivore of the mole family, Talpidae, found in Europe.

Equivalents

Examples

“Unlike the Russian desman, the Pyrenean species lives along fast-flowing mountain streams.”

“Restricted to the Old World, desmans have⟳ a diet consisting of aquatic invertebrates and fish⟳.”

“With the aid of its Eimer's organs, the desman was able to detect⟳ engraved lines only one-fifteenth of a millimeter (0.067 mm, or 0.002 inches) in depth and width. There are two extant species of desmans: the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), weighing about 65 g (2.3 oz) (fig 2.10), and the larger Russian desman (Desmana moschata), weighing 500 g (17.6 oz).”

CEFR level