(Science: zoology) a small European rodent (Cricetus frumentarius). It is remarkable for having a pouch on each side of the jaw, under the skin, and for its migrations.
a common Name used to describe a subfamily of the muridae. Four of the more common genera are cricetus, cricetulus, mesocricetus, and phodopus.
All hamsters are seed and plant feeders, store food, hibernate in winter, and breed throughout the year under laboratory conditions.
Origin: g. Hamster.