Definition

1. Noun:
   • A woolly-haired, monkey-like, arboreal marsupial native to New Guinea and northern Australia. It is a nocturnal animal that lives in trees and is characterized by its thick fur, large eyes, and prehensile tail.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The spotted cuscus is a common species found in the rainforests of New Guinea.
  • Researchers are studying the diet of the cuscus to understand its role in the ecosystem.

Advanced Usage

• As a taxonomic term: The word "cuscus" can refer specifically to members of the genus within the family Phalangeridae.
  • The genus Phalanger includes several species of cuscus.

Variants and Related Words

• Phalanger (n): The scientific genus name for cuscuses.
  • The common spotted cuscus is scientifically known as Spilocuscus maculatus.

Synonyms

• Possum (n, regional): In some contexts, particularly in Australia, "possum" may be used colloquially for some arboreal marsupials, though this is not a precise synonym for cuscus.
• Marsupial (n): A broader term for the mammalian infraclass to which the cuscus belongs.

Related Phrases

• Arboreal marsupial: A descriptive phrase often used to define animals like the cuscus.
  • The cuscus is a prime example of an arboreal marsupial.

Noun

1. woolly-haired monkey-like arboreal marsupial of New Guinea and northern Australia