Wiktionary
n. A small rodent, ''Mesocricetus auratus'', popular as a pet and used for scientific research.
WordNet
n. small light-colored hamster often kept as a pet [syn: Syrian hamster, Mesocricetus auratus]
Wikipedia
The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is a member of the subfamily Cricetinae, the hamsters. In the wild, they are now considered vulnerable. Their natural geographical range is limited to the north of Syria and the south of Turkey, in arid habitats. Their numbers have been declining due to loss of habitat caused by agriculture and deliberate destruction by humans. However, captive-breeding programs are well established, and captive-bred Syrian hamsters are often kept as pets. They are also used as scientific research animals throughout the world.
Usage examples of "golden hamster".
His hand darted to Barby's hair, and he triumphantly held on his palm a tiny golden hamster, which blinked sleepily.
He had a three-speed bicycle, an electric train, plenty of vitamin pills, fifty-three books, a golden hamster, an aquarium with tropical fish in it, a small camera, six pocketknives, and so forth and so on.