opossum

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o·pos·sum / (ə)ˈpäsəm/ • n. an American marsupial (family Didelphidae) that has a ratlike prehensile tail and hind feet with opposable thumbs. Its numerous species include the cat-sized common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) of North, Central, and South America, which in North America was formerly known as the Virginia opossum and was considered a distinct species (D. virginiana).

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

opossum

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opossum (possum) New World marsupial animal. The only marsupial found outside Australasia. Omnivorous tree-dwellers, they have silky grey fur, and feign death when in danger. The common opossum, Didelphis marsupialis, grows up to 50cm (20in) long, plus a 30cm (12in) tail. Family Didelphidae.

World Encyclopedia

opossum

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opossum
1. See DIDELPHOIDEA.

2. (possum) See PHALANGERIDAE.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

Didelphidae

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Didelphidae See DIDELPHOIDEA.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

opossum

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opossum XVII. of Algonquian orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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Opossums

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