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Glite Dictionary
Viverricula malaccensis

Viverricula malaccensis

9.9
A small meat-eating mammal called the Malay civet that lives in Southeast Asia
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : civeta malaya
  • The diet of Viverricula malaccensis includes fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Examples

  • Researchers observed the elusive Viverricula malaccensis in several national parks across Borneo.

  • Conservation programs have been set up to protect Viverricula malaccensis from habitat loss.

  • The Viverricula malaccensis is known for its unique markings.

  • Did you know that the Viverricula malaccensis is a nocturnal animal?

  • Conservation programs have been set up to protect Viverricula malaccensis from habitat loss.

  • Researchers observed the elusive Viverricula malaccensis in several national parks across Borneo.

  • The diet of Viverricula malaccensis includes fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Synonyms

small civet
vsViverricula malaccensis
8.3

A small animal like a cat that is active at night and lives in Southeast Asian forests

is identified by a specific regional name rather than physical traits
civet cat
vsViverricula malaccensis
8.4

A small cat-like animal from Asia or Africa that makes a strong smell used in perfume

is limited to Southeast Asia rather than spanning Asia and Africa

Surface Forms

Viverricula malaccensis singular
Viverricula malaccense singular

Morphology

Viverricula + malaccensis

This is a Latin binomial taxonomic name rather than an everyday compositional phrase; an average B1 learner who knows the constituent forms (one of which is unknown here) would not be able to derive the meaning 'Malay civet' or 'a species of small carnivorous mammal' from them. The second element 'malaccensis' is a Latin adjectival form (not listed) and taxonomic labels are arbitrary and specialized, so the overall meaning is unpredictable for learners.

Etymology

Viverricula malaccensis takes its name from Latin words: Viverricula means a small civet and malaccensis means 'from Malacca'. So the name says 'the small civet from Malacca', which helps you remember that it is the Malay civet found in Southeast Asia.