Opossum (Noun)
Meaning 1
Small furry Australian arboreal marsupials having long usually prehensile tails.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The opossum climbed up the eucalyptus tree with ease using its prehensile tail for support.
- In the Australian rainforest, opossums are known to jump from tree to tree with incredible agility.
- The opossum's soft fur and large round eyes made it a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts.
- A group of opossums were spotted playing in the branches of a tall gum tree.
- The opossum curled up into a ball, wrapping its tail around its body for warmth and protection.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
Nocturnal arboreal marsupial having a naked prehensile tail found from southern North America to northern South America.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- In the United States, the most commonly encountered species of opossum is the Virginia opossum, known for its pointy snout and ability to "play dead".
- At dusk, opossums climb the branches to spend most of the night moving among leaves searching for leaves and plants as sources of sustenance.
- Throughout most parts of North and Central America and reaching towards southern and parts of the lower edge of the continent of South America lives the White-eared opossum.
- Virginia opossums release strong musk odor secretions that mimic the scent of rotting flesh when threatened, acting as a deterrent against potential predators.
- Wildlife experts consider the opossum's prehensile tail extremely versatile in providing support to their entire body while navigating in dim lighting conditions within trees.