bassarisk
- noun
- /ˈbæsəˌrɪsk/
- US
- While exploring the desert, we encountered a bassarisk with its striking black and white-ringed tail.
Examples
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We spotted a bassarisk while hiking through the canyon in Arizona.
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The bassarisk is well known for its agility and nocturnal habits.
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A bassarisk may use its distinctive tail rings to communicate with others in its territory.
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I saw a bassarisk in the wild last summer.
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The bassarisk is known for its distinctive tail.
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The bassarisk is a fascinating creature that resembles a raccoon and is often seen at night.
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After several hours of searching, we finally caught a glimpse of a bassarisk darting across the trail.
Synonyms
A raccoon-like animal from Mexico and southwestern US with a long bushy tail with black-and-white rings
A small North American mammal like a raccoon with a long bushy tail with black and white rings
A small wild fox from Mexico and the US with a long bushy tail with black and white rings
An animal like a raccoon that has a long bushy tail with black and white rings
A small animal like a raccoon with a long bushy tail with black and white rings
A small animal like a raccoon with a long tail with black and white rings
Surface Forms
Etymology
Bassarisk comes from the scientific name Bassariscus, which comes from an old word for 'fox', so the name points to a small, fox-like animal. The creature is also called a 'ringtail', which helps you remember its long, bushy tail with black and white rings.