genet
1
9.9
A small wild animal like a cat with a spotted coat and a long ringed tail
- noun
- /ˈdʒɛnɪt/
- Specialized
:
geneta
- The genet is known for its agility as it hunts for small birds and rodents in the underbrush.
Examples
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During our safari, we spotted a beautiful genet with its distinctive spotted coat and long tail.
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Number of genets/ramets
Academic text (2012) -
Number of genets
Academic text (2012) -
In many regions of Africa, the genet is a common sight, often seen prowling for food at dusk.
Synonyms
9.9
A small agile meat-eating animal from Africa and southern Europe with spotted fur and a long ringed tail
is the general common name rather than the formal Latin name
Surface Forms
Etymology
Genet came into English from French genet (and Spanish gineta), names for a small, cat-like animal from North Africa. Because the name travelled with the animal, genet still means that spotted, long-tailed mammal today.