opossum

/əˈpɑsəm/

nouno · pos · sum

Think: “Oh! POSSUM!”—start with an O, then POSSUM (one P at the start, double S in the middle).

Yes, it's opossum. It starts with a quiet “uh” sound but is spelled with an O: o- + possum, and it has double S (oposSUM).

Definition

  1. nouna nocturnal mammal with a long snout and a prehensile tail, known for “playing dead” when threatened (common in the Americas).

Examples

  • We saw an opossum crossing the road at dusk.
  • The opossum curled its tail around the branch to steady itself.
  • When the dog barked, the opossum froze and looked like it was playing dead.

Synonyms

possummarsupialVirginia opossumdidelphidnight animal

Translations

ES zarigüeyaPT gambáFR opossum

Common misspellings

possumoposumopossomoppossumopossumoposssumopossem

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