lemmus

• Désigne un genre de petits rongeurs, généralement connus sous le nom de lemmings, réputés pour leurs fluctuations cycliques de population et leurs migrations massives parfois spectaculaires.

A noun referring to a genus of small rodents, commonly known as lemmings, known for their cyclic population fluctuations and occasional mass migrations.

nom propre

1. Small rodentB2formal

   A small, short-tailed rodent found in Arctic regions, known for periodic population booms and mass migrations.

   Lemming

   • The lemming population fluctuates dramatically every few years.
   • Lemmings are well-adapted to cold, snowy environments.
   • Researchers study lemming cycles to understand ecosystem changes.

   Synonymeslemming

2. Mythical behaviorB2informal

   A popular but inaccurate belief that lemmings follow each other blindly off cliffs during migrations.

   Comportement mythique des lemmings

   • The myth of lemmings jumping off cliffs was popularized by a documentary.
   • People use 'lemming' to describe someone who follows the crowd without thinking.
   • The term 'lemming effect' refers to herd mentality in humans.