Gerbil vs. Hamster

Gerbilnoun

One of several species of small, jumping, murine rodents, of the genus Gerbillus and certain other genera in subfamily Gerbillinae, with leaping powers resembling the jerboa, native to Africa, India, and Southern Europe.

Hamsternoun

Any of various Old-World rodent species belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae.

Gerbilverb

(intransitive) To rotate inside a monowheel or similar apparatus due to sudden acceleration or braking.

Hamsternoun

especially, the golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, and the dwarf hamsters of genus Phodopus, often kept as a pets and used in scientific research.

‘It is the cutest sight to see a hamster stuff his puffy cheeks with food; where is it going to store it?’;

Gerbilverb

To insert a small animal into one's rectum (a sexual practice in urban myth).

Hamsternoun

Other rodents of similar appearance, such as the maned hamster or crested hamster, Lophiomys imhausi, mouse-like hamsters of genus Calomyscus, and the white-tailed rat (Mystromys albicaudatus).

Gerbilnoun

One of several species of small, jumping, murine burrowing rodents, of the genus Gerbillus and related genera of the subfamily Gerbillinae. They have long soft pale fur and hind legs adapted for leaping. In their leaping powers they resemble the jerboa. They inhabit Africa, India, and Southern Europe.

Hamsternoun

A small European rodent (Cricetus frumentarius). It is remarkable for having a pouch on each side of the jaw, under the skin, and for its migrations. Hamsters are commonly kept as a pets.

Gerbilnoun

A rodent (Meriones unguiculatus) of the subfamily Gerbillinae that is commonly kept as a pet; it is also called the tamarisk gerbil, sand rat and jird. Its natural habitats are the dry regions of Northern Africa and Asia.

Hamsternoun

short-tailed Old World burrowing rodent with large cheek pouches

Gerbilnoun

small Old World burrowing desert rodent with long soft pale fur and hind legs adapted for leaping

Hamster

Hamsters are rodents (order Rodentia) belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae, which contains 19 species classified in seven genera. They have become established as popular small pets.