Definition of "packrat" [packrat]

• Any of several species of rodent in the genus Neotoma, but most commonly the bushy-tailed woodrat (Neotoma cinerea). (noun)
• One who tends to acquire various objects; one who collects, accumulates or has trouble throwing things away. (noun)

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• "I see a smooth-tailed rat, but what I'm used to calling a packrat has a bushy tail, so I got out my mammal book."
• "So are your rats just wannabe packrats inhabiting old nests, or are you just using "packrat" as a sort of vernacular?"
• "My mom calls her a "packrat" which means she never throws anything away."