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Glite Dictionary
Old World least weasel

Old World least weasel

9.2
A very small weasel from Europe and Asia with a long thin body and short legs
  • noun
  • /oʊld wɜrld list ˈwiːzəl/
  • UK
translation icon : mustélido menor de los viejos mundos
  • The Old World least weasel is the smallest carnivorous mammal in the world.

Examples

  • During winter, the fur of the Old World least weasel turns white, aiding its camouflage in snowy environments.

  • Farmers often appreciate the presence of the Old World least weasel for its role in controlling rodent populations.

  • The Old World least weasel is known for its agility.

  • I saw an Old World least weasel in the forest.

  • During winter, the fur of the Old World least weasel turns white, aiding its camouflage in snowy environments.

  • Farmers often appreciate the presence of the Old World least weasel for its role in controlling rodent populations.

  • The Old World least weasel is the smallest carnivorous mammal in the world.

Synonyms

Mustela nivalis
vsOld World least weasel
  • Specialized
9.9

A very small weasel that eats small animals in Europe, Asia and North America

is restricted to Europe and Asia rather than also including North America

Surface Forms

Old World least weasel singular
Old World least weasels plural

Morphology

old + world + least + weasel

This is a directly compositional noun phrase: 'least weasel' transparently means the smallest kind of weasel and 'Old World' functions as a geographic modifier (the traditional Old World vs New World distinction). The meaning — a small weasel species found in the Old World (Europe/Asia/Africa) — follows normal modifier + noun composition and is likely recoverable by a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Old World least weasel comes from a simple picture: Old World means Europe and Asia, least means 'very small', and weasel is a small meat-eating animal. So the name simply points to a very small weasel that lives in Europe and Asia.