microtine
/ˈmʌɪkrə(ʊ)tiːn/ /ˈmʌɪkrə(ʊ)tʌɪn/Zoology
noun
A rodent of the subfamily Microtinae (family Muridae) of rodents, which includes voles, lemmings, muskrats, and mole-voles.
adjective
Belonging to the subfamily Microtinae; of or relating to rodents of this subfamily.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in American Naturalist. From scientific Latin Microtinae, subfamily name from Microtus, genus name (F. von P. von Schrank Fauna Boica 1 66) (from micro- + ancient Greek ὠτ-, οὖς ear: see oto-) + -inae.