Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Language: Old English
Origin: ræt

rat

1 noun
     
Related topics: Animals
rat1 [countable]
1HBA an animal that looks like a large mouse with a long tail
2 spoken someone who has been disloyal to you or deceived you:
But you promised to help us, you rat!
3

look like a drowned rat

to look very wet and uncomfortable
4

(like) rats leaving the sinking ship

used to describe people who leave a company, organization etc when it is in trouble
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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