ETYM Nor. lemming, lemende; cf. Swed. lemel, Lapp. lummik.
Rat of polar regions.
Any of various short-tailed furry-footed rodents of circumpolar distribution.
Small rodent of the family Cricetidae, especially the genus Lemmus, comprising four species worldwide in northern latitudes. It is about 12 cm/5 in long, with thick brownish fur, a small head, and a short tail. Periodically, when their population exceeds the available food supply, lemmings undertake mass migrations.