meerkat

Thân thiện

A meerkat stands on its hind legs to look out over the dry grassland.

Definition

Noun: 1. A small, carnivorous mammal (Suricata suricatta) native to southern Africa, characterized by its slender body, pointed face, banded tail, and social behavior. It is a member of the mongoose family.

Usage

The word "meerkat" is used to refer specifically to this animal species. It functions as a countable noun.

Examples

• We watched a meerkat standing on its hind legs to scan the horizon for predators.
• The documentary highlighted the complex social structure of meerkats.
• A group of meerkats is called a mob or a gang.

Advanced Usage

• As a subject of study: The meerkat is often studied in behavioral ecology for its cooperative breeding and sentinel behavior.
• In cultural references: Due to popular media, the meerkat has become a widely recognized and charismatic animal symbol.

Variants and Related Words

• Suricate: A less common synonym for meerkat.
• Mongoose: The broader family (Herpestidae) to which the meerkat belongs.

Synonyms

Suricate

Different Meanings

The word "meerkat" does not have other distinct meanings. It refers exclusively to the animal Suricata suricatta.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a mongoose-like viverrine of South Africa having a face like a lemur and only four toes

Từ đồng nghĩa

• mierkat