Definition

Noun: A medium-sized mammal (Mephitis mephitis) native to North America, known for its distinctive black fur with two white stripes running from its head down its back and its potent defensive spray.

Usage

This term refers specifically to the animal species. It is used as a countable noun. * The striped skunk is a nocturnal forager. * We saw a striped skunk and her kits near the woodshed. * Striped skunks are common in both rural and suburban areas.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Technical Context: The binomial name is used in zoological and biological texts.
  • The study focused on the habitat range of Mephitis mephitis.
• Regional Names: In some areas, it may be colloquially called simply a "skunk" or "polecat," though "polecat" can refer to different animals.

Variants and Related Words

• Skunk (n): The general common name for mammals in the family Mephitidae, which includes the striped skunk.
• Mephitis mephitis (n): The scientific Latin name for the species.

Synonyms

• Common skunk
• (Informally) Skunk

Different Meanings

The term "striped skunk" has only one primary meaning, referring to the specific animal species Mephitis mephitis. It is not typically used idiomatically.

Noun

1. most common and widespread North American skunk