əˈpäsəm, ōˈp- noun
( plural opossums also opossum )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: from âpäsûm (in some Algonquian language of Virginia), literally, white animal
1.
a. : any of various American marsupials of the family Didelphidae ; especially : a common omnivorous largely nocturnal and arboreal mammal ( Didelphis virginiana ) of the eastern United States that is naturalized on the Pacific coast, is about 2 1/2 feet long including the scaly prehensile tail, has coarse grayish fur mingled with whitish hairs and an abdominal pouch to which the young are transferred at birth, reputedly feigns death when startled or alarmed, and is esteemed as food in some sections
b. : the pelt or fur of an opossum
an opossum coat
2. Australia : any of several phalangers that somewhat resemble the true opossums
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