Mustela putorius
- noun
- Specialized
:
Mustela putorius
- The Mustela putorius is known for its distinctive scent used to deter predators.
Examples
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Unlike ferrets, which are domesticated, the Mustela putorius remains a wild species.
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The Mustela putorius is often found in dense woodlands.
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Researchers tracked several Mustela putorius individuals through their woodland habitat to study behavior.
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Have you ever seen a Mustela putorius in the wild?
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The Mustela putorius is a nocturnal mammal that thrives in Europe's dense forests.
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Known for its strong odor, the Mustela putorius uses scent as a defense mechanism against predators.
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Wildlife enthusiasts often seek to observe the elusive Mustela putorius in its natural habitat.
Synonyms
9
9.9
A small dark brown animal like a weasel from Europe and Asia that smells bad when threatened
3
8.2
A small animal like a weasel that gives off a strong bad smell when threatened
A small dark brown animal like a weasel that gives off a strong bad smell when frightened
A small animal like a weasel that lives in Europe and Asia and gives a strong bad smell when scared
Surface Forms
Morphology
Mustela + putorius
This is a Latin scientific binomial (genus + specific epithet) functioning as a taxonomic label rather than a compositional English phrase. The second element 'putorius' is not an English word and its meaning is not recoverable by a B1 learner, and while 'Mustela' signals a mustelid it does not transparently yield the common name 'European polecat', so the expression is idiomatic/label-like and opaque to learners.
Etymology
Mustela putorius is the Latin name for the European polecat and one popular story says it comes from the old Latin root putor, which means 'stink', because the animal sprays a very strong, bad smell when scared. So the name points to the polecat's famous smell.