Mustela vison
1
9.9
- noun
- /mʌˈstɛlə ˈvɪzən/
- Specialized
- Unlike other mustelids, Mustela vison is highly adapted to aquatic environments.
Examples
-
The fur industry once heavily relied on the pelt of the Mustela vison for luxurious coats.
-
Did you see a Mustela vison by the river?
-
Researchers tagged several Mustela vison to study their movement along the river banks.
-
The Mustela vison is known for its luxurious fur.
-
The Mustela vison is often found hunting near water, showcasing its adaptability to semiaquatic life.
-
In the wild, the Mustela vison primarily feeds on small fish and crustaceans, highlighting its diet.
-
Many people admire the dark brown fur of the Mustela vison, which has historically been sought after in the fashion industry.
Synonyms
15
4.6
A small slim animal that lives near water and has soft dense fur
1
7.3
A North American animal that lives near water, has dark brown fur, and eats other animals
A small wild animal with soft dark fur that lives near rivers in North America
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a scientific binomial formed from a genus name (Mustela) and a species epithet (vison) where the second constituent explicitly denotes the semi‑aquatic mustelid (mink). Because the meaning follows regular taxonomic composition and the constituent definitions already identify the animal, a learner who knows both parts can directly infer that Mustela vison refers to that mink species.
Etymology
Mustela vison may come from the old word Mustela meaning a small 'weasel' and vison, like the French word for 'mink'. Picture a small, dark, water-loving weasel—so the name fits the American mink today.