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opossum Definition

☆ opos·sum (ə päs′əm)

noun pl. -·sums or -·sum

any of various families (esp. Didelphidae) of marsupials; esp., any of a small, omnivorous, tree-dwelling American species (Didelphis marsupialis) with a ratlike, prehensile tail, that is active at night and becomes motionless when endangered

Etymology: < AmInd (Algonquian) name, lit., white beast

opossum Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • short-tailed: By PLoS Biology The genetic code of the gray, short-tailed opossum reveals insights into the evolution of the major histocompatibility complex.
  • wooly: Some, such as the wooly opossums, live high in the tree canopies, feeding solely on fruit and nectar.

Browse dictionary entries near opossum

  1. ‹ Oporto
  2. ‹ opiumism
  3. ‹ opium poppy
  4. ‹ opium
  5. ‹ opisthognathous
  6. ‹ opioid
  7. ‹ opinionative
  8. ‹ opinionated
  9. ‹ opinion
  10. ‹ opine
  1. opossum shrimp ›
  2. opp ›
  3. Oppenheimer ›
  4. oppidan ›
  5. oppilate ›
  6. opponency ›
  7. opponent ›
  8. opportune ›
  9. opportunism ›
  10. opportunist ›