Possum: meaning, definitions and examples

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possum

 

[ หˆpษ’s.ษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

animal type

A possum is a nocturnal marsupial native to Australia and nearby islands, distinguished by its pointed face and prehensile tail. They are known for their adaptability to various habitats, ranging from forests to urban areas.

Synonyms

marsupial, opossum

Examples of usage

  • The possum scavenged for food in the backyard.
  • We spotted a possum hanging from a tree branch.
  • The children were excited to see a possum at the wildlife park.

Translations

Translations of the word "possum" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น opossum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค“เคชเฅ‰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 'possum' comes from the Virginia Algonquin word 'opassom', which means 'white animal'. It was first used in English in the early 17th century to refer specifically to the North American opossum. The term spread to refer more broadly to other marsupials, including those in the family Phalangeridae found in Australia. Over time, 'possum' became a common name for these animals, particularly in Australia, where 'opossum' is less frequently used. The adaptation of the word in English reflects a blending of native languages and colonial influences, marking a part of the rich tapestry of how language evolves as cultures interact.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,741, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.