Opossum
/əˈpɒs.əm/noun
A marsupial native to the Americas, known for its ability to play dead when threatened.
Did you know?The term 'opossum' comes from a Native American word that translates to 'white animal', linking it to the creature's pale appearance and its role in folklore as a trickster.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Algonquian
Algonquin
āpǝsǝm
“A term meaning 'white animal' or 'animal that walks on all fours'.”
Early 17th Century
English
opossum
“Adopted from Algonquian languages, referring specifically to the Virginia opossum.”
Modern English
English
opossum
“Refers to the marsupial commonly found in the Americas, retaining its Indigenous roots.”
19th Century
English
opossum
“Gained popularity in literature, often depicted in folklore and understood in cultural contexts.”