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Mongeese Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mongeese

[ˈmɒnɡiːz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

plural animal

Mongeese is the plural form of the word 'mongooses,' which refers to small, carnivorous mammals belonging to the family Herpestidae. These animals are known for their agility and are often found in Africa, Asia, and southern Europe. Mongeese are recognized for their long bodies and tails, short legs, and keen ability to hunt snakes.

Examples of usage

  • The mongeese scurried through the underbrush.
  • In the wild, mongeese often hunt in groups.
  • The mongeese are known for their speed and agility.
  • Sighting mongeese in the wild can be quite exciting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Mongooses belong to the family Herpestidae, which includes around 34 species that vary in size and habitat.
  • These creatures are known for their unique physiological traits, such as immunity to some snake venoms.
  • Their keen sense of sight and remarkable speed make them proficient hunters, particularly against snakes.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, mongooses are portrayed as brave creatures; for instance, in the famous Rudyard Kipling story 'Rikki-Tikki-Tavi', a mongoose saves a family from snakes.
  • They have been featured in various media, including movies and cartoons, highlighting their adventurous spirit and bravery.
  • In some regions, mongooses are kept as pets due to their playful nature, although it's important to consider their wild instincts.

Behavior

  • Mongooses are known for their social behavior; some species live in tight family groups and communicate through various sounds.
  • They often engage in playful behavior, rolling and tumbling with one another as a bonding activity.
  • It’s common for mongooses to groom each other, strengthening their social units and maintaining their hygiene.

Conservation

  • Certain mongoose species, like the meerkat, have become popular in wildlife conservation efforts because of their unique social structures.
  • While some mongooses thrive in the wild, others face threats such as habitat loss and hunting, leading to several species being classified as endangered.
  • Conservation programs focus on habitat preservation and awareness to help sustain mongoose populations in the wild.

Origin of 'mongeese'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mongoose' comes from the Marathi word 'mangus', which means 'a small carnivore'.
  • Old records suggest the use of the term in English dates back to the 17th century when it appeared in a travel account.
  • In different languages, such as in French, the term for mongoose shows a connection to the word for 'mangy', emphasizing their quirky appearance.

The word 'mongoose' is derived from the Marathi word 'mungus', which means 'mongoose'. The term entered the English language during the 17th century through Portuguese, who borrowed it from the Indian languages. Mongeese have long been associated with snake-hunting, and their presence in various cultures has been documented for centuries, highlighting their unique physical traits and behaviors. These animals typically inhabit tropical and subtropical regions, where their remarkable predatory skills are utilized in hunting threats like venomous snakes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,455, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.