Definition of MOUSE (original) (raw)

1

: any of numerous small rodents (as of the genus Mus) with pointed snout, rather small ears, elongated body, and slender tail

2

plural also mouses : a small mobile manual device that controls movement of the cursor and selection of functions on a computer display

4

: a dark-colored swelling caused by a blow

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English mūs; akin to Old High German mūs mouse, Latin mus, Greek mys mouse, muscle

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of mouse was before the 12th century