The Collaborative International Dictionary
Haplodon rufus
Sewellel \Se*wel"lel\, n. [Of American Indian origin.] (Zo["o]l.) A peculiar gregarious burrowing rodent ( Haplodon rufus), native of the coast region of the Northwestern United States. It somewhat resembles a muskrat or marmot, but has only a rudimentary tail. Its head is broad, its eyes are small and its fur is brownish above, gray beneath. It constitutes the family Haplodontid[ae]. Called also boomer, showt'l, and mountain beaver.