What is the term for a female mouse? - briefly
A female mouse is called a doe. This term is the standard zoological designation for the species’ female individuals.
What is the term for a female mouse? - in detail
The correct designation for an adult female of the species Mus musculus is “doe.” In laboratory and breeding contexts the term is applied consistently to distinguish sex without ambiguity. The male counterpart is called a “buck,” and the collective term for both sexes is “mouse.”
Key aspects of the usage:
- Scientific literature: Research papers on rodent physiology, genetics, and behavior refer to females as does when describing breeding, hormonal cycles, or sex‑specific results.
- Etymology: The word derives from Old English dā, originally used for female rabbits and later extended to other small mammals, including rodents.
- Alternative forms: In informal settings some may use “hen,” but “doe” remains the standard term in academic and professional environments.
- Plural: The plural of the female term follows regular English rules: “does.”
Understanding the precise terminology is essential for clear communication in experimental design, animal husbandry, and regulatory documentation.