stoat

/stout/

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Word: Stoat

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A stoat is a small animal that belongs to the weasel family. It is known for its brown fur during the summer and its white fur in the winter (when it is called "ermine"), with a distinctive black tip on its tail.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "stoat" when talking about this specific animal, especially in contexts related to nature, wildlife, or biology.
• You can refer to them in both their summer and winter coats, but remember that "ermine" usually refers to the winter coat.

Example Sentence:

• "I spotted a stoat running across the field; its brown fur blended well with the grass."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or art, "stoat" might be used metaphorically to describe someone who is cunning or sly, similar to how the animal behaves in the wild.

Word Variants:

• Ermine: This term specifically refers to the stoat when it has its white winter coat.
• Stoat-like: An adjective to describe something that resembles a stoat, usually in behavior or appearance.

Different Meanings:

• While "stoat" primarily refers to the animal, it doesn’t have other meanings in English. However, "ermine" can be used in fashion or heraldry to refer to the white fur itself, often symbolizing nobility.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "stoat," but it is related to other animals in the weasel family, such as:
  • Weasel
  • Ferret

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include the word "stoat". However, you might hear phrases like "sly as a weasel," which captures a similar essence of cunning behavior.

Summary:

The word "stoat" refers to a small, agile mammal known for its seasonal coat changes. It is primarily used in discussions about animals and nature.

Academic

Noun

1. the ermine in its brown summer coat with black-tipped tail