squirreltail

1 of 2

noun (1)

1

: a tufted perennial grass (Sitanion hystrix) that has very bristly spikes disarticulating above each node and resembles lyme grass

2

or less commonly squirreltail grass or squirreltail barley : any of several grasses of the genus Hordeum (such as wall barley) with bushy spikes

squirrel tail

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a tail arched forward beyond a vertical from its anterior base

—used chiefly of fowls

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

squirrel entry 1 + tail

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!