Definition

1. Noun:
   • A nocturnal, arboreal marsupial mammal, primarily found in the Americas, characterized by a pointed snout, a hairless, prehensile tail, and a tendency to feign death when threatened.
   • (Informally) Refers to various similar-looking, often arboreal, marsupials, particularly in Australia, though these are more accurately called "possums."

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to North America.
  • We saw an opossum hanging from a branch by its tail.
  • When scared, an opossum might play dead to deter predators.

Advanced Usage

• "To play possum": An idiom meaning to pretend to be dead or asleep, or to feign ignorance or illness, in order to avoid trouble or an unwanted situation. This idiom is derived from the opossum's defensive behavior.
  • When asked about the broken vase, the child just played possum.
  • The boxer played possum for a moment, then sprang back to his feet.

Variants and Related Words

• Possum (noun): A common informal variant for "opossum," especially in North American casual speech. In Australia and New Zealand, "possum" correctly refers to a different group of arboreal marsupials.
  • Informal (US): "There's a possum in the trash can again."
  • (Australia): "The brush-tailed possum is common in urban areas."

Synonyms

• Marsupial: The broader biological order to which the opossum belongs, characterized by carrying young in a pouch.
• (For the idiom) Feign: To pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs/Idioms)

• Play possum: As detailed in the 'Advanced Usage' section, this is the primary idiom associated with the word.
  • He's not really sleeping; he's just playing possum because he doesn't want to do the dishes.

Noun

1. nocturnal arboreal marsupial having a naked prehensile tail found from southern North America to northern South America
2. small furry Australian arboreal marsupials having long usually prehensile tails