Possum
/ˈpɒs.əm/noun
A nocturnal marsupial found in the Americas, known for its ability to play dead.
Did you know?The word 'possum' is derived from the Algonquin word for 'white animal', linking it to ancient Native American folklore and nature spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*po̯es-
“to be, to exist, to arise”
Old English
OE
pōs
“a small, furry creature, often used for various small animals”
Middle English
ME
possum
“a term for various small animals, especially marsupials”
17th Century
English
opossum
“the name adopted from Algonquin for the American marsupial, 'white animal'”
18th Century
English
possum
“a colloquial shortening of 'opossum', reflecting its widespread usage in American English.”