Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cat-like mammal that typically secretes musk used in perfumes: A "civet cat" is a small, nocturnal carnivorous mammal, not a true cat, known for producing a strong-smelling secretion called civet, which is used as a fixative in the perfume industry.
   • A raccoon-like omnivorous mammal of Mexico and the southwestern United States having a long bushy tail with black and white rings: In North America, "civet cat" is a common name for the ringtail (Bassariscus astutus), a mammal related to raccoons, known for its distinctive banded tail.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The perfume maker sourced civet from the civet cat.
  • While hiking in Arizona, we spotted a civet cat, or ringtail, scurrying up a canyon wall.

Advanced Usage

• The term "civet cat" is a common name and can be ambiguous, referring to different animals depending on the geographical context (Old World vs. New World). In precise biological or commercial contexts, more specific terms like "civet" (for the perfume animal) or "ringtail" are preferred to avoid confusion.

Variants and Related Words

• Civet (n): The more precise term for the cat-like mammal that produces musk. It can also refer to the musk secretion itself.
  • True civets belong to the family Viverridae.
• Ringtail (n): The preferred name for the raccoon-like mammal () in North America.
  • The ringtail is the state mammal of Arizona.
• Cacomistle (n): Another name for the ringtail.

Synonyms

• For the perfume animal: civet, toddy cat.
• For the North American animal: ringtail, miner's cat, cacomistle.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs specifically using "civet cat." The term is primarily used in zoological, geographical, or commercial contexts.

Noun

1. cat-like mammal typically secreting musk used in perfumes
2. raccoon-like omnivorous mammal of Mexico and the southwestern United States having a long bushy tail with black and white rings