beaver

bea-ver · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large semiaquatic rodent with a broad flat tail, known for building dams.

  2. 2.

    The fur of a beaver.

  3. 3.

    [British, informal]A person who works hard; an industrious person.

  4. 4.

    [informal]Work hard at something.

Forms

plural: beavers

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    eager beaver — An enthusiastic, hardworking person.
  • •
    beaver away — Work steadily and diligently.
  • •
    busy as a beaver — Very industrious.

Related words

See also: dam, rodent, wildlife

Etymology

From Old English beofor, from Proto-Germanic bebruz, from PIE root meaning "brown."