(n)omnivorous opossum of the eastern United States; noted for feigning death when in danger; esteemed as food in some areas; considered same species as the crab-eating opossum of South America, Syn.Didelphis virginiana, Didelphis marsupialis

crab-eating opossum

(n)South American opossum

opossum

(n)nocturnal arboreal marsupial having a naked prehensile tail found from southern North America to northern South America, Syn.possum

opossum rat

(n)terrestrial marsupials of southern South America that resemble shrews

opossum shrimp

(n)shrimp-like crustaceans whose females carry eggs and young in a pouch between the legs

play possum

(v)to pretend to be dead

american persimmon

(n)medium-sized tree of dry woodlands in the southern and eastern United States bearing yellow or orange very astringent fruit that is edible when fully ripe, Syn.possumwood, Diospyros virginiana

bearberry

(n)deciduous shrub of southeastern and central United States, Syn.winterberry, Ilex decidua, possum haw

flying phalanger

(n)nocturnal phalangers that move with gliding leaps using parachute-like folds of skin along the sides of the body, Syn.flying opossum, flying squirrel

phalanger

(n)small furry Australian arboreal marsupials having long usually prehensile tails, Syn.opossum, possum

silver-bell tree

(n)medium-sized tree of West Virginia to Florida and Texas, Syn.opossum wood, Halesia tetraptera, snowdrop tree, silverbell tree, Halesia carolina

water oak

(n)relatively tall deciduous water oak of southeastern United States often cultivated as a shade tree; thrives in wet soil, Syn.possum oak, Quercus nigra

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)

Opossum

n. [ Of N. American Indian origin. ] (Zool.) Any American marsupial of the genera Didelphys and Chironectes; called also possum. The common species of the United States is Didelphys Virginiana. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Several related species are found in South America. The water opossum of Brazil (Chironectes variegatus), which has the hind feet, webbed, is provided with a marsupial pouch and with cheek pouches. It is called also yapock. [ 1913 Webster ]

Opossum mouse. (Zool.) See Flying mouse, under Flying. --
Opossum shrimp (Zool.), any schizopod crustacean of the genus Mysis and allied genera. See Schizopoda. [ 1913 Webster ]

Possum

n. [ Shortened from opossum. ] (Zool.) An opossum. [ Colloq. U. S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

To play possum,
To act possum, to feign ignorance, indifference or inattention, with the intent to deceive; to dissemble; -- in allusion to the habit of the opossum, which feigns death when attacked or alarmed. [ 1913 Webster ]

Water opossum

(Zool.) See Yapock, and the Note under Opossum. [ 1913 Webster ]

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