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Glite Dictionary
Didelphis

Didelphis

9.9
A group of large American opossums that carry their babies in a pouch
  • noun
  • /ˈdɪdəlfɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Didelphis
  • The best-known species in the genus Didelphis is the Virginia opossum.

Examples

  • Members of Didelphis are notable for their ability to play dead as a defense mechanism.

  • Researchers studied several Didelphis specimens collected from the forest.

  • The Didelphis is often found in urban areas.

  • Many people have spotted a Didelphis in their backyard.

  • The best-known species in the genus Didelphis is the Virginia opossum.

  • Members of Didelphis are notable for their ability to play dead as a defense mechanism.

  • Researchers studied several Didelphis specimens collected from the forest.

Compounds

Didelphis virginiana
  • Specialized
9.1

A North American opossum with a pouch that often plays dead when threatened

Surface Forms

Didelphis singular
Didelphises plural

Etymology

Didelphis comes from Greek parts di- meaning 'two' and delphis meaning 'womb', so it literally means 'two wombs'. This fits opossums because these animals have a kind of double womb and a pouch for their babies, so the name points to how they carry and raise their young.