What other names does a mouse have? - briefly
The animal commonly called a mouse is also referred to as a field mouse, house mouse, or by its scientific name Mus musculus, and in computing the term extends to the pointing device, often called a pointer or simply a mouse.
What other names does a mouse have? - in detail
The animal known as a mouse carries several alternative designations across scientific, regional, and colloquial usage. In taxonomy the species is identified as Mus musculus, commonly referred to as the common house mouse. Other zoological terms include field mouse, wood mouse, and dormouse, each describing specific genera or habitats. Domestic terminology often uses “house rodent” when emphasizing its status as a pest.
In everyday speech the creature acquires informal names such as squeaker, whisker‑friend, and little pest. Regional English variations feature “muskrat” (though technically a different species) and “rat‑mouse” in some rural dialects. Non‑English languages provide direct translations: French — souris, German — Maus, Spanish — ratón, Italian — topo, Russian — мышь.
The computing device that mimics the animal’s shape is also called a mouse, but it is labeled with additional terms in technical contexts. Common labels include:
- pointing device
- input device
- handheld controller
- cursor controller
- ergonomic mouse (when referring to design for comfort)
Specialized variants adopt distinct names: a “trackball” replaces the traditional ball mechanism, while “gaming mouse” denotes models optimized for rapid response. Wireless versions are frequently described as “radio‑frequency mouse” or “Bluetooth mouse.”
Slang within certain subcultures uses the term metaphorically. In hacker jargon a “mouse” may denote a low‑level user interface component, and in some online communities it serves as a playful insult for timid individuals.
Overall, the word encompasses scientific nomenclature, regional translations, colloquial nicknames, and a suite of technical descriptors that together form a comprehensive lexical landscape.