beaver
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a large rodent with a flat tail and thick fur that lives in water and builds dams from wood.
n.a semiaquatic rodent of the genus Castor, characterized by a broad, flat tail and webbed feet, known for constructing dams and lodges.
Simple“The beaver used its sharp teeth to cut down a small tree for its dam.”
In context“Ecologists monitored the beaver population, noting how their dam-building activities significantly altered the local wetland ecosystem.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to work very hard and stay busy with a task, usually for a long time.
v.to work industriously or with great diligence; most frequently used in the phrasal verb 'beaver away'.
Simple“She has been beavering away at her report all morning to finish it on time.”
In context“The researchers spent the entire weekend beavering away in the archives, desperate to find the missing documents before the trial began.”
UsageUsually followed by the particle 'away'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.the fur of a beaver or a heavy wool cloth that feels like it.
n.the pelt or fur of the beaver, or a heavy, felted woollen cloth designed to mimic its texture.
Simple“The expensive winter coat was lined with soft beaver.”
In context“Historically, the trade in beaver pelts was a primary driver of colonial exploration and economic competition in North America.”
“One way of achieving this aim is to encourage the return of beavers.”
* As an English surname, capitalization of beaver. This sense is also translated from several Native American names such as Cheyenne homa'e and Creek Echaswvlke of the same meaning. Doublet of Bieber and Bever. * Also as an English surname, from the placename Belvoir in Leicestershire.
Calque of Canadian French Castor. From French castor (“beaver”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.