small civet
- noun
:
civeta pequeña
- The small civet is active mainly at night, searching for insects and fruit.
Examples
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Local farmers often spot a small civet near the forest edge.
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Because it adapts well to different habitats, the small civet is widespread across Southeast Asia.
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The small civet is often seen at night.
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I spotted a small civet near my house.
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Because it adapts well to different habitats, the small civet is widespread across Southeast Asia.
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Local farmers often spot a small civet near the forest edge.
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The small civet is active mainly at night, searching for insects and fruit.
Synonyms
3
8.8
A small cat-like mammal from Africa and Asia that produces a strong scent used in perfume
A small wild mammal like a cat that lives in South and Southeast Asia and is active at night
A small cat-like animal from Asia or Africa that makes a strong smell used in perfume
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'small' modifies 'civet', so the meaning is simply a civet of limited size. This compositional pattern is cross-linguistically common and fully predictable, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand the MWE.
Etymology
Small civet is a simple name based on a clear picture: people used civet for a cat-like, night-active animal and added small to show this species is smaller than other civets. So the name tells you it is 'a small, nocturnal civet found in Southeast Asia'.