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Glite Dictionary
hooded skunk

hooded skunk

8.8
A skunk with a white band of fur around its neck that lives in Mexico and southern Arizona
  • noun
  • /ˈhʊdɪd skʌŋk/
  • US
translation icon : mofeta de capucha
  • We spotted a hooded skunk while hiking in southern Arizona last summer.

Examples

  • The distinctive white fur on a hooded skunk makes it easy to identify at night.

  • Researchers are studying the habitat range of the hooded skunk across Mexico.

  • The hooded skunk is native to Mexico.

  • Did you see a hooded skunk at the zoo?

  • The distinctive white fur on a hooded skunk makes it easy to identify at night.

  • We spotted a hooded skunk while hiking in southern Arizona last summer.

  • Researchers are studying the habitat range of the hooded skunk across Mexico.

Synonyms

skunk
vshooded skunk
  • US
31 1.0

A small black and white mammal that sprays a strong bad smell

is a specific species with a prominent white ruff and limited geographic range
Mephitis macroura
vshooded skunk
  • Specialized
9.9

A small black and white skunk with a long white hood found in Mexico and the southern United States

is the everyday common name rather than the Latin species name

Surface Forms

hooded skunk singular
hooded skunks plural

Morphology

hooded + skunk

The meaning 'a skunk that has a hood-like marking' is directly and compositionally derived from the adjective 'hooded' (having a hood) modifying 'skunk' (the animal). This is a straightforward descriptive noun phrase following common adjective + noun semantics, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily understand it.

Etymology

Hooded skunk gets its name from the animal's white fur that forms a clear hood around its neck and shoulders, so the skunk looks like it is wearing a hood. That's why the name refers to this particular animal and helps people spot it.