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Glite Dictionary
spotted skunk

spotted skunk

7.4
A small animal from the United States and Mexico with black and white spotted fur
  • noun
  • /ˈspɑːtɪd skʌŋk/
  • US
translation icon : mofeta moteada
  • As we observed the wildlife, a spotted skunk cautiously emerged from its den, showcasing its beautiful coat.

Examples

  • While hiking in the woods, I was excited to spot a spotted skunk scurrying across the trail.

  • I pass four spotted skunks.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • The spotted skunk is recognized for its unique black and white markings, making it distinct among its relatives.

Synonyms

Spilogale putorius
vsspotted skunk
  • Specialized
9.9

A small skunk with a black and white spotted and striped coat that lives in the United States and Mexico

is the everyday common name used in ordinary language

Surface Forms

spotted skunk singular
spotted skunks plural

Morphology

spotted + skunk

The meaning 'a skunk with spots' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'spotted' (having spots) with 'skunk' (the animal). This simple adjective + noun composition follows standard English modification patterns and is cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Spotted skunk gets its name from how it looks: this small skunk has white spots, so the word spotted describes its coat. So, Spotted skunk simply means 'a skunk with spots'.