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opossum

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opossum

Main Entry:: opos·sum
Pronunciation:: \(ə-)ˈpä-səm\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural opossums also opossum
Etymology:: earlier apossoun, opassom, Virginia Algonquian, from Algonquian *wa·p- white + *-aʔθemw- dog
Date:: 1610

1: any of a family (Didelphidae) of American marsupials that usually have a pointed snout and prehensile tail; especially : a common omnivorous largely nocturnal mammal (Didelphis virginiana) of North America that has grayish to blackish fur with white on the cheeks and is an expert climber2: any of several Australian phalangers

[opossum illustration]

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