Guinea pig
volume
British pronunciation/ɡˈɪni pˈɪɡ/
American pronunciation/ɡˈɪni pˈɪɡ/

Definition & Meaning of "guinea pig"

Guinea pig
01

a small furry animal with rounded ears, short legs and no tail, which is often kept as a pet or for research

Wiki
guinea pig definition and meaning

What is a "guinea pig"?

The guinea pig, also known as the cavy, is a small domesticated rodent that is often kept as a popular pet. Guinea pigs are native to South America and have been domesticated for thousands of years. They have a compact body with short legs, rounded ears, and no visible tail. Guinea pigs have a variety of coat colors and patterns, and they typically have dense fur that can be short or long, depending on the breed. They have large, expressive eyes and a rounded head with a distinctive snout. Guinea pigs are social animals that are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them popular as pets, especially for children. They are herbivores and primarily eat hay, fresh vegetables, and a specially formulated guinea pig pellet diet.

02

someone on whom scientific experiments are tested

guinea pig definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "guinea pig" and when to use it?

The idiom "guinea pig" has its origins in the early 17th century when guinea pigs were first introduced to Europe. These small rodents are not native to Guinea but were imported to Europe via Guinea, a region in West Africa. The exact reason for the association with Guinea remains unclear, but it is believed that European traders may have used the term "Guinea" to refer to any distant or exotic place. Guinea pigs were considered exotic animals when they were first brought to Europe, and the name likely reflects their foreign origin. In modern English, "guinea pig" is used metaphorically to refer to a person or creature used in experiments, tests, or trials to gather information or conduct research, often at some risk to their well-being.

example
Example
examples
Guinea pigs are herbivores, enjoying a diet of fresh vegetables, hay, and pellets.
The guinea pig squeaked softly as it nibbled on a piece of lettuce in its cage.
Pet owners provide spacious enclosures with hiding spots and toys to keep guinea pigs entertained and stimulated.
Children love to cuddle and pet their guinea pigs, enjoying their gentle and sociable demeanor.
Guinea pigs, while resembling rodents, are actually classified in a separate family known as cavies.
download-mobile-app
Download Our Mobile App
Langeek Mobile Application
download application
Copyright © 2024 Langeek Inc. | All Rights Reserved |Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2024 Langeek Inc.
All Rights Reserved
instagramtelegramlinkedintwitterfacebook
LanGeek
download langeek app
langeek application

Download Mobile App

stars

app store