A mouse can refer to two different things: a small rodent or a computer peripheral device.
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Small rodent: A mouse is a small rodent with a pointed snout, small rounded ears, a body-length scaly tail, and a high breeding rate. They are typically distinguished from rats by their size, with mice being smaller and rats being larger. Mice are a staple in the diet of many predators, but due to their remarkable adaptability to almost any environment, they remain one of the most successful mammalian genera living on Earth today.
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Computer peripheral device: A computer mouse is a small device that a computer user pushes across a desk surface in order to point to a place on a display screen and to select one or more actions to take from that position. It controls the movement of the cursor on the computer screen and allows users to move and select folders, text, files, and icons on a computer. The motion of the mouse is typically translated into the motion of the pointer on a display, which allows a smooth control of the graphical user interface. The name "mouse" likely originated from its resemblance to the shape and size of a mouse, with the cord resembling its tail. Most types of mouse have two buttons, and some will have a wheel in between the buttons. Mice are more accurate and comfortable to use than other input devices, such as keyboards, for tasks such as clicking on small objects and selecting text.
