Beaver
/ˈbiː.vər/noun
A large semiaquatic rodent with a broad flat tail and webbed hind feet, known for building dams.
Did you know?The word ultimately goes back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning “brown,” which is why its relatives spread through words for brown-colored animals and materials across Europe.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰerH-
“A root meaning “brown” or “bright brown.””
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*bebruz
“The beaver, named for its brown coloring.”
Old English
OE
beofor
“A beaver.”
Middle English
ME
bever
“A beaver.”
Modern English
English
beaver
“A beaver.”