1. a small rodent of arid regions in Africa and Asia, resembling a gerbil, with long hind legs and a long tail
Usage: also called desert rat; zoological term

Examples

• The jird is well adapted to life in the desert.
• Jirds are nocturnal animals that burrow underground.
• Scientists study jirds to understand rodent behavior in arid climates.
• A jird's long tail helps it balance while running across sand.
• The jird's large ears help it dissipate heat in hot environments.