Definition

1. Noun:
   • A slender-bodied semiaquatic mammal: A carnivorous mammal of the genus Mustela or Neovison, known for its partially webbed feet and valued for its soft, thick, and lustrous fur.
   • The fur of this animal: The expensive, soft, and shiny pelt of the mink, used to make luxury garments.
   • A garment made from this fur: A coat or other item of clothing fashioned from mink fur.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Animal):
  • We saw a wild mink hunting along the riverbank.
  • Minks are often farmed for their fur.
• Noun (Fur/Material):
  • Her coat was trimmed with genuine mink.
  • The stole was made of the finest dark mink.
• Noun (Garment):
  • She inherited a beautiful mink from her grandmother.
  • In the old photograph, she is wearing a full-length mink.

Advanced Usage

• "Mink and manure": A phrase sometimes used humorously or critically to describe a stark contrast between luxury (symbolized by mink) and rural poverty or mess (symbolized by manure).
  • The politician's speech about helping farmers felt like a mix of mink and manure.

Variants and Related Words

• Mink coat (n): A coat made from mink fur.
  • The actress was photographed in a dazzling mink coat.
• Mink farm (n): A place where minks are bred and raised commercially for their fur.
  • The animal rights group protested outside the mink farm.

Synonyms

• Mustelid: A member of the weasel family, which includes minks, otters, and ferrets. (Refers to the animal classification)
• Pelt: An animal skin with the fur still on it. (A more general term for fur)

Related Phrases

• "To be dressed in mink": To be wearing clothing made of mink fur, often implying wealth or luxury.
  • For the gala, she was dressed in mink and diamonds.

Noun

1. slender-bodied semiaquatic mammal having partially webbed feet; valued for its fur
2. fur coat made from the soft lustrous fur of minks
3. the expensive fur of a mink