phalanger

/fə'lændʤə/

Thân thiện

A small phalanger clings to a eucalyptus branch at night.

Definition

Noun: A phalanger is a small, furry, tree-dwelling (arboreal) marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea. It is characterized by having a long tail, which is often prehensile (capable of grasping).

Usage

The word "phalanger" is a specific zoological term. It is used to refer to members of the family Phalangeridae, which includes possums like the cuscus and the brushtail possum. - The spotted cuscus is a type of phalanger found in the rainforests of New Guinea. - Phalangers are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used in scientific and wildlife contexts. In general conversation, especially in Australia, the more common term "possum" is often used for many species of phalanger.
• The family name Phalangeridae is derived from this word.

Variants and Related Words

• Phalangeridae (n): The scientific family name for phalangers.
• Possum (n): A common name for many species of phalanger, particularly in Australia. (Note: In North America, "opossum" refers to a different marsupial family).

Synonyms

• Possum (common name, Australian context)
• Marsupial (broader category; a mammal with a pouch)

Different Meanings

The word "phalanger" has only one primary meaning, referring specifically to this family of marsupials.

Học thuật

Noun

1. small furry Australian arboreal marsupials having long usually prehensile tails

Từ đồng nghĩa

• opossum
• possum