gnawer
Creature that chews
A gnawer is something that gnaws—typically a rodent, since rodents are defined by their continuously growing incisor teeth adapted for gnawing.
Rats, mice, squirrels, and beavers are all gnawers.
The term extends to anything that nibbles persistently: a gnawer of fingernails, a gnawer of conscience.
Small gnawing mammal
- ratRodent or informer
- beaverDam-constructing aquatic rodent
- squirrelBushy-tailed tree rodent
- hamsterSmall burrowing pet rodent
gerbil · chipmunk · vole · guinea pig · porcupine · woodchuck · gopher · muskrat
Small, tentative bite
- gnashGrind teeth together
- bitePierce with teeth
- chompLoud, vigorous mouthwork
- crunchCrushing, grinding noise
grind · munch · incisors · masticate · devour · consume · rasp · wear down
Harmful small animals
- infestationPest takeover situation
- exterminatorOne who eradicates vermin
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
- destructiveCausing severe harm
contamination · plague · trap · poison · eradication · damage · burrowing · crop damage
mouse
Small gnawing mammal
hamster · gerbil · chipmunk · vole · guinea pig · porcupine · woodchuck · gopher · muskrat · chinchilla
nibble
Small, tentative bite
crunch · grind · munch · incisors · masticate · devour · consume · rasp · wear down · erode
vermin
Harmful small animals
- infestationPest takeover situation
- exterminatorOne who eradicates vermin
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
destructive · contamination · plague · trap · poison · eradication · damage · burrowing · crop damage · droppings
hoard
Hidden accumulated valuables
scavenge · burrow · nest · provisions · seeds · nuts · bark · roots · winter stores · larder
- gnawing painPersistent, grinding discomfort
- gnawing hungerIntense, persistent need to eat
- gnaw marksIndentations from chewing
- gnaw at