One of several species of small, jumping, murine burrowing rodents, of the genus Gerbillus and related genera of the subfamily Gerbillinae. They have long soft pale fur and hind legs adapted for leaping. In their leaping powers they resemble the jerboa. They inhabit Africa, India, and Southern Europe. [1913 Webster]
A rodent (Meriones unguiculatus) of the subfamily Gerbillinae that is commonly kept as a pet; it is also called the tamarisk gerbil, sand rat and jird. Its natural habitats are the dry regions of Northern Africa and Asia. [PJC]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

gerbil, n. (also jerbil) a mouselike desert rodent of the subfamily Gerbillinae, with long hind legs.

Etymology

F gerbille f. mod.L gerbillus dimin. of gerbo JERBOA

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