opossum

• Bezeichnung für ein kleines, meist baumbewohnendes Beuteltier mit langem Greifschwanz, das in Australien und Neuguinea vorkommt (Possum), oder für ein nachtaktives, baumbewohnendes Beuteltier mit nacktem Greifschwanz, das vom südlichen Nordamerika bis ins nördliche Südamerika verbreitet ist (Opossum).

A noun referring to either a small, furry, arboreal marsupial native to Australia, typically with a long prehensile tail, or a nocturnal, arboreal marsupial with a naked prehensile tail found from southern North America to northern South America.

1. Australian marsupialB1formalaustralian

   A small, furry, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia and nearby islands, typically with a long, prehensile tail.

   Australischer Beutelteufel

   • The opossum climbed the eucalyptus tree using its tail for balance.
   • Australian opossums are often seen in suburban gardens at night.
   • The ringtail opossum is one of the most common species in Australia.

   Synonymepossum

2. American marsupialB1formalamerican

   A nocturnal, tree-dwelling marsupial found from southern North America to northern South America, known for its naked, prehensile tail and playing dead when threatened.

   Beutelratte

   • The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to North America.
   • When scared, the opossum will 'play possum' and lie still.
   • Opossums are beneficial to gardens because they eat ticks and insects.

   Synonymepossum