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opossum (n.)

nocturnal, omnivorous American marsupial mammal, c. 1600, from Powhatan (Algonquian) opassum, "equivalent to a proto-Algonquian term meaning 'white dog'" [Bright]. The colloquial form is possum (q.v.).

Entries related to opossum

possum (n.)

American marsupial mammal, 1610s, shortened form of opossum (q.v.). It is nocturnal, omnivorous, and when caught or threatened with danger feigns death; hence the phrase play possum "feign death when threatened," attested by 1822.

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Definitions of opossum from WordNet

opossum (n.)
nocturnal arboreal marsupial having a naked prehensile tail found from southern North America to northern South America;
Synonyms: possum
opossum (n.)
small furry Australian arboreal marsupials having long usually prehensile tails;
Synonyms: phalanger / possum
From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near opossum

opinionate

opinionated

opioid

opisthography

opium

opossum

opponent

opportune

opportunism

opportunist

opportunistic

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