Gryllotalpa borealis
(gcide) | Mole \Mole\, n. [OE. molle, either shortened fr. moldwerp, or
from the root of E. mold soil: cf. D. mol, OD. molworp. See
Moldwarp.]
1. (Zool.) Any insectivore of the family Talpidae. They
have minute eyes and ears, soft fur, and very large and
strong fore feet.
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Note: The common European mole, or moldwarp ({Talpa
Europaea}), is noted for its extensive burrows. The
common American mole, or shrew mole ({Scalops
aquaticus}), and star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata)
have similar habits.
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Note: In the Scriptures, the name is applied to two
unindentified animals, perhaps the chameleon and mole
rat.
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2. A plow of peculiar construction, for forming underground
drains. [U.S.]
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3. (fig.)A spy who lives for years an apparently normal life
(to establish a cover) before beginning his spying
activities.
[PJC]
Duck mole. See under Duck.
Golden mole. See Chrysochlore.
Mole cricket (Zool.), an orthopterous insect of the genus
Gryllotalpa, which excavates subterranean galleries, and
throws up mounds of earth resembling those of the mole. It
is said to do damage by injuring the roots of plants. The
common European species (Gryllotalpa vulgaris), and the
American (Gryllotalpa borealis), are the best known.
Mole rat (Zool.), any one of several species of Old World
rodents of the genera Spalax, Georychus, and several
allied genera. They are molelike in appearance and habits,
and their eyes are small or rudimentary.
Mole shrew (Zool.), any one of several species of
short-tailed American shrews of the genus Blarina, esp.
Blarina brevicauda.
Water mole, the duck mole.
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