jackrabbit
UK[ˈdʒækˌræbɪt]US[ˈdʒækˌræbɪt]
n
A large North American hare with very long ears and long hind legs.
Morpheme Breakdown
jack
rabbit
jack
name
rabbit
animal
Etymology
The word 'jackrabbit' is a compound formed within American English in the 19th century. It combines the generic name 'Jack', often used for males (as in 'jackass'), with 'rabbit'. Despite its name, the animal is biologically a hare, not a rabbit. The 'jack' element likely emphasized its size, commonness, or vigor, leading to the name for these large, fast hares notable for their powerful leaps.
Analysis
Structure: jack (name) + rabbit (animal)
- jack: English origin, from the personal name 'Jack', used generically to denote a common man or male animal. In this compound, it functions as a specifier.
- rabbit: English origin, from Middle English 'rabet', referring to the burrowing mammal. In this compound, it functions as the head noun.
Examples
A jackrabbit sprinted across the desert road, its long ears silhouetted against the sunset.
The sudden noise startled the jackrabbit, causing it to bound away into the brush.
We spotted several black-tailed jackrabbits foraging in the dry grassland.