Opossum: meaning, definitions and examples

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opossum

 

[ ษ™หˆpษ’sษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal species

An opossum is a marsupial native to the Americas, known for its characteristic ability to play dead when threatened. They are primarily nocturnal and are most recognized by their long snouts and prehensile tails, which help them grasp branches while climbing. Opossums are also known for their immunity to venom and their role in controlling pest populations by eating insects and small rodents.

Synonyms

Didelphimorphia, possums

Examples of usage

  • The opossum hangs upside down from the tree branches.
  • Opossums are often seen rummaging through garbage at night.
  • In some cultures, opossums are regarded as pest control animals.

Translations

Translations of the word "opossum" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น gambรก

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค“เคชเฅ‰เคธเฅเคธเคฎ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Opossum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ opossum

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะฟะพััƒะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ opossum

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ชใƒใƒƒใ‚ตใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท opossum

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ oposum

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท opossum

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฃผ๋จธ๋‹ˆ์ฅ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃูˆุจูˆุณูˆู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ opossum

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ opossum

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ดŸ้ผ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ oposum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ opossum

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพะฟะพัััƒะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒžแƒแƒกแƒฃแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ opossum

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ oposum

Etymology

The word 'opossum' is derived from the Algonquin word 'aposum', which means 'white dog' or 'swamp creature'. The term was adopted into English in the early 17th century and has been used to describe these marsupials since then. Opossums are unique to the Americas and belong to the order Didelphimorphia. They are the only marsupials found in North America, and their adaptability to urban environments has contributed to their proliferation. Historically, opossums have been featured in Native American folklore and have various cultural significances across different regions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,092, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.