shrew
|shrew|
B2
/ʃruː/
small mammal; bad-tempered woman
Etymology
Etymology Information
'shrew' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'scrēawa,' where 'scrēawa' meant 'shrew-mouse.'
Historical Evolution
'scrēawa' transformed into the Middle English word 'shrewe,' and eventually became the modern English word 'shrew.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a small mammal,' but over time it evolved to also mean 'a bad-tempered woman.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small insectivorous mammal resembling a mouse, with a long pointed snout and tiny eyes.
The shrew scurried across the forest floor.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a bad-tempered or aggressively assertive woman.
She was known as a shrew in the office due to her constant complaints.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42