Explore the fascinating world of rodents—nature’s most adaptable mammals. Discover their diversity, roles in ecosystems, and surprising contributions to science. The meaning of RODENT is any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (such as a mouse, squirrel, or beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge. RODENT definition: 1. any of various small mammals with large, sharp front teeth, such as mice and rats: 2. any of…. Learn more. Rodent species use a wide variety of methods of locomotion including quadrupedal walking, running, burrowing, climbing, bipedal hopping (kangaroo rats and hopping mice), swimming and even gliding. [3] Scaly-tailed squirrels and flying squirrels, although not closely related, can both glide from tree to tree using parachute-like membranes that stretch from the fore to the hind limbs. [12] The agouti is fleet-footed and antelope -like, being digitigrade and having hoof-like nails. The majority ...