A genus of rat-like rodents (the degus) of the family Octodontidae, native to the Andes and western coastal areas of South America; (also octodon) a rodent of this genus, a degu (now rare).
Origin
Mid 19th century. From scientific Latin Octodon from classical Latin octō- + scientific Latin -odon.
Definition of Octodon in US English:
Octodon
nounˈɒktədɒn
Zoology
A genus of rat-like rodents (the degus) of the family Octodontidae, native to the Andes and western coastal areas of South America; (also octodon) a rodent of this genus, a degu (now rare).
Origin
Mid 19th century. From scientific Latin Octodon from classical Latin octō- + scientific Latin -odon.