What do you call a mouse? - briefly
The small handheld device used to control a cursor is called a mouse («mouse»). In technical documentation it may also be termed a pointing device.
What do you call a mouse? - in detail
The small rodent commonly referred to as a mouse belongs to the family Muridae, genus Mus. The species most frequently encountered in human environments is Mus musculus, known as the house mouse. In scientific literature the term «Mus» designates the genus, while «mus musculus» specifies the species.
The English word originates from Old English mus, cognate with German Maus and Latin mus. The evolution of the term reflects a consistent phonetic pattern across Germanic languages, without significant semantic shift.
Synonyms and related designations vary by habitat and context:
- «field mouse» – wild species inhabiting agricultural areas
- «house mouse» – synanthropic form living in buildings
- «laboratory mouse» – strains bred for research, often identified by genotype
- «deer mouse» – Peromyscus maniculatus, a North American relative
- «wood mouse» – Apodemus sylvaticus, common in forested regions
The same lexical item also labels a computer input device. In technical terminology the device is called a «computer mouse», distinguished from the animal by the qualifier «computer». The device’s name derives from its shape and the motion it mimics, not from any biological connection.
Literary and idiomatic uses employ the animal term metaphorically. Phrases such as «quiet as a mouse» or «mouse‑like» convey timidity, while «mouse trap» denotes a device designed to capture the rodent. In legal and regulatory texts the species name «Mus musculus» appears in pest‑control standards and animal‑welfare legislation.
When precision is required, the appropriate label depends on the field:
- Biology – use genus and species names («Mus musculus», «Apodemus sylvaticus»).
- Ecology – apply habitat‑based terms («field mouse», «house mouse»).
- Technology – employ the compound «computer mouse».
- Research – specify strain or genotype when referring to laboratory specimens.
The distinction among these terms ensures clarity in scientific communication, regulatory documentation, and everyday discourse.