mustela vison

Thân thiện

A mustela vison peeks out from behind a mossy log near a stream.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • American mink: A semiaquatic carnivorous mammal (Mustela vison or Neovison vison) native to North America, characterized by a slender body, short legs, and a thick, usually dark brown coat. It is known for its valuable fur.

Usage

• The term "Mustela vison" is the former scientific name for the American mink. It is primarily used in formal, biological, or zoological contexts to refer to the species. In everyday language, the common name "American mink" or simply "mink" is more frequently used.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The biologist studied the habitat of Mustela vison along the riverbank.
  • Trapping of Mustela vison for its fur has been a controversial practice.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Context: The species was historically classified under the genus (which includes weasels and ferrets) as . It has since been reclassified into its own genus, , as . The term "Mustela vison" may still be encountered in older literature.
  • While Mustela vison is an older designation, current taxonomy places the American mink in the genus Neovison.

Variants and Related Words

• Mink (n): The common name for animals of the genera (American mink) and (European mink).
• Neovison vison (n): The current accepted scientific name for the American mink.
• Mustela (n): The genus that includes weasels, ferrets, and stoats.

Synonyms

• American mink: The most common synonym.
• New World mink: A less common synonym specifying its geographic origin.

Related Terms

• Fur-bearing animal: A general term for animals, like the mink, valued for their fur.
• Semiquatic mammal: Describes the mink's lifestyle, living near and in water.

Học thuật

Noun

1. usually rich dark brown

Từ đồng nghĩa

• American mink
• Mustela vison