Meaning & Definition of word "Mole"

Mole

/moʊl/

noun:

  • 1. A small, burrowing mammal with dark fur, a snout, and spade-like hands.
    • Example: The garden was overrun by moles, leaving small mounds of dirt everywhere.
  • 2. A spy who infiltrates an organization for secret information.
    • Example: The agency discovered that there was a mole within their ranks leaking sensitive information.
  • 3. A skin mark or growth, often dark and raised.
    • Example: She went to the dermatologist to have a suspicious mole checked out.
  • 4. A unit in chemistry, equal to 6.022 × 10²³ entities.
    • Example: In the experiment, we measured the concentration of the solution in moles.

Etymology

Middle English 'mole', from Old English 'mūle', of uncertain origin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

a mole in the organization:

someone who secretly works for a competitor or enemy inside an organization.

to mole around:

to move slowly or aimlessly.

Related Words

molehill:

a small mound of earth thrown up by a mole during tunneling.

moleskin:

a type of fabric that resembles mole fur.

Slang Meanings of mole

Meaning: An informant or spy.

Example Sentence: He was working with the cops, he's a mole.

Meaning: A person who works undercover.

Example Sentence: The agency sent in a mole to gather intelligence.