shorttail weasel
Noun: 1. A small carnivorous mammal of the northern hemisphere: The "shorttail weasel" is a specific species of mustelid (the weasel family). It is known for its seasonal color change, featuring a distinctive pure white winter coat with a black-tipped tail, while its summer coat is brown. This animal is also widely known by the name ermine, especially when referring to its white winter fur.
- Noun:
- We spotted a shorttail weasel, already in its white winter pelage, hunting in the snowy field.
- The shorttail weasel is an agile predator, capable of taking prey much larger than itself.
- Historically, the fur of the shorttail weasel, called ermine, was used to trim the robes of royalty.
- "In ermine": This phrase specifically describes the shorttail weasel when it is in its white winter phase.
- The trappers were only interested in the weasels that were already in ermine.
- Ermine (n): The common name for the shorttail weasel, particularly when referencing its white winter fur or its use in heraldry and ceremonial garments.
- Stoat (n): The common name for this species () used primarily in Europe and the British Isles.
- Mustelid (n): The biological family name that includes weasels, otters, badgers, and ferrets.
- Ermine
- Stoat
The term "shorttail weasel" is the primary common name for this species in North America. It distinguishes the animal from the similar but smaller least weasel, which has a shorter tail without a black tip. The names ermine and stoat refer to the exact same animal. "Ermine" often carries connotations of luxury, nobility, and winter due to the historical use of its fur.
- mustelid of northern hemisphere in its white winter coat