Etymology
The word "mouse" descends from Proto-Germanic *mūs, itself from Proto-Indo-European root *mū́s-, meaning "thief" or "stealer."
Meaning
A mouse is a small rodent belonging to the family Muridae, characterized by its small size, pointed nose, and long tail.
Origin
1. Proto-Germanic Root
Linguists trace the word "mouse" back to the Proto-Germanic root *mūs, which meant "thief" or "stealer." This suggests that mice were historically perceived as pests that stole food from humans.
2. Proto-Indo-European Root
The Proto-Germanic root *mūs is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *mū́s-, also meaning "thief" or "stealer." This indicates that the association between mice and thievery is a widespread and ancient one.
3. Possible Onomatopoeic Influence
Some scholars suggest that the Proto-Indo-European root *mū́s- may have originated from onomatopoeia, imitating the squeaking sound made by mice. However, this is a speculative theory.
4. Usage in Old English
In Old English, the word "mouse" was spelled "mūs" and had the same meaning as in modern English, referring to a small rodent.
5. Spread to Other Languages
From Old English, the word "mouse" spread to other Germanic languages, such as German (Maus) and Dutch (muis), as well as to Romance languages, such as French (souris) and Spanish (ratón).
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