noun
also ra·coon (ˈ)ra|kün sometimes rəˈ-
( plural raccoon or raccoons also racoon or racoons )
Etymology: ärähkun (in some Algonquian language of Virginia), from ärähkuněm he scratches with his hands
1.
a. : a nearly omnivorous nocturnal mammal ( Procyon lotor ) related to but much smaller than the bear that inhabits most of No. America, lives largely in trees, and is chiefly gray with black and white facial markings, a bushy ringed tail, and coarse fur much used in furriery
b. : crab-eating raccoon
2. : any of various animals somewhat similar to or related to the raccoon: as
a. : cacomistle
b. : panda
[s]raccoon.jpg[/s] [
raccoon 1a
]