skunk definition animal

Other animals, more or less common, are the black-tailed deer, the jackrabbit, the badger, the skunk, the beaver, the moose and the weasel. skunk (skŭngk) n. 1. a. Skunk The skunk (also known as the polecat ) are most commonly known for their ability to secrete a foul, strong smelling odor from their rear end, when the skunk feels that it is under threat. Skunks are about the same size as cats, with stripes and fluffy tails. When a skunk is being chased by a predator but cannot see it, the spray is emitted as an atomized cloud that the pursuer must run through. This usually is enough to deter most predators. Information and translations of skunk in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. skunk: Any of several small omnivorous mammals of the Americas belonging to the family Mephitidae, having a bushy tail and black fur with white markings and ejecting a foul-smelling oily liquid from glands near the anus when threatened. Primarily nocturnal, skunks are diverse carnivores that live in a wide variety of habitats, including deserts, forests, and mountains. Definition of skunk in the Idioms Dictionary. Although skunks have very poor eyesight, they have excellent senses of smell and hearing. The original skunk cannabis strains were known to have a very pungent, dead animal-like smell reminiscent of a skunk. They cannot see objects more than about 3 meters away with any clarity, which makes them very vulnerable to … It protects itself from other aggressive animals by way of its noxious spray, and it doesn't hesitate to use its defensive measures. +. The term skunk, however, refers to more than just the well-known striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis).The skunk family is composed of 11 species, 9 of which are found in the Western Hemisphere. If he didn't have some tootsie with … Skunk, (family Mephitidae), also called polecat, black-and-white mammal, found primarily in the Western Hemisphere, that uses extremely well-developed scent glands to release a noxious odour in defense. skunks or skunk. When threatened it squirts a fine spray of foul-smelling irritant liquid from its anal glands towards its attacker. Although accurate to about two metres (more than six feet), its total range is considerably farther. n-count Skunks are fairly common, even in suburban and urban places. Would you have a pet with spines? The skunk spirit animal may not have the best reputation because of the unpleasant odor that it emits. Spotted skunks perform a handstand and approach predators. Hopefully it's better than his demon skunk spray. Copyright © 2020 LoveToKnow. Skunks are mammals best known for their ability to secrete a liquid with a strong, foul-smelling odor. Each of the two glands has a nipple associated with it, and skunks can aim the spray with highly coordinated muscle control. The chemical composition of skunk spray differs among species, but sulfur compounds (thiols and thioacetates) are primarily responsible for its strength. In the hooded skunk stripes are not always present, and white areas on the back are interspersed with black fur, which gives it a gray appearance. In Central and South America they have the typical “V” pattern. skunk definition: 1. a small, black and white North American animal that makes a strong, unpleasant smell as a…. The “hood” is the result of long hairs at the back of the neck. If your pooch gets sprayed, there are ways you can rid them of the scent without having to buy up every can of tomato juice in the area. See how much you know about the unconventional animals people keep as pets in this quiz. If he didn't have some tootsie with him and I didn't know him for the skunk he is, I might have believed him. A skunk is a small black and white animal that defends itself with a stinky fluid when it feels threatened. DEFINITIONS 3. 2. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Skunk usually symbolizes Any of various small mammals, of the family, (slang) A walkover victory in sports or board games, as when the opposing side is unable to score. To spray with the foul-smelling liquid of a skunk. Their white stripes can be divided, single and narrow, or absent. Meaning of skunk. In the 1990s stink badgers (genus Mydaus; see badger) became classified as members of the family Mephitidae, and they thus are now considered skunks. skunk phrase. Animal Symbolism: Skunk Meaning. Except for a white spot between the eyes, their spots are actually a series of interrupted stripes running down the back and sides. A skunk will go through a series of threat behaviours before it sprays. Skunk or Black Marten. Mephitis and other genera, family Mustelidae: several species, in particular the striped skunk (M. mephitis) The fur of the skunk. Immune to snake venom, skunks are known to eat poisonous snakes like rattlesnakes. All carnivores have anal scent glands, but they are extremely well-developed in skunks. The term skunk, however, refers to more than just the well-known striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). They also have been observed to feign death, with the anal area directed at the observer. Hog-nosed skunks stand up on their hind paws and slam their front paws to the ground while hissing loudly. Although capable of living indoors with humans similarly to dogs or cats, pet skunks are relatively rare, partly due to restrictive laws and the complexity of their care. What does skunk mean? Discover how by using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap help get rid of skunk smell in dogs, Learn what to do if a dog gets “skunked.”, skunk - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), skunk - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Any of several small omnivorous mammals of the Americas belonging to the family Mephitidae, having a bushy tail and black fur with white markings and ejecting a foul-smelling oily liquid from glands near the anus when threatened. They are typically scattered, mushy, and not well-formed. A skunk is a small black and white animal which releases an unpleasant smelling liquid if it is frightened or attacked. SKUNK-LIKE ANIMAL 'SKUNK-LIKE ANIMAL' is a 15 letter phrase starting with S and ending with L Crossword clues for 'SKUNK-LIKE ANIMAL' Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Also called polecat. Skunk droppings often contain undigested insects, berries, fur, or feathers. Other animals, more or less common, are the black-tailed deer, the jackrabbit, the badger, the skunk, the beaver, the moose and the weasel. Definition of skunk in the Definitions.net dictionary. skunk noun [C] (ANIMAL) [ C ] a small, black and white North American animal that makes a strong, unpleasant smell as a defense when it is attacked. (2) Heroin, see there. The hog-nosed skunks (genus Conepatus) of North America can be larger than striped skunks, but those of Chile and Argentina are smaller. Skunks eat wasps and honeybees, and will often attack beehives. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. What does skunk expression mean? Stink badgers snarl, show their teeth, and stamp their forefeet. When they actually spray, they can simultaneously face their head and tail at the antagonist. Skunk, (family Mephitidae), also called polecat, black-and-white mammal, found primarily in the Western Hemisphere, that uses extremely well-developed scent glands to release a noxious odour in defense. Hog-nosed skunks have no markings between the eyes. Learn more. countable a small black and white North American animal with a long thick tail. [uncountable] (slang) skunkweed (= a strong type of cannabis) The meaning of the skunk is in protection, independence and self respect. Skunk feces are often left in lawns and gardens and are also found in and around their den. Another of Ully's experiments. It produces a bad smell when it is threatened. American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition, Assonance Examples in Literature and Poetry, Examples of Puns for Kids: Wordplay for Laughs & Learning, Nauseous vs. Nauseated: Feel at Ease Using the Right Word. What does the skunk spirit animal really mean? Skunk scent comes from anal glands located inside the rectum at the base of the tail. The common striped skunk is found from central Canada southward throughout the United States to northern Mexico. SMART Vocabulary: related words and … Spotted skunks (genus Spilogale) live from southwestern Canada to Costa Rica. To defeat so badly as to prevent any opposing points. Skunk definition, a small North American mammal, Mephitis mephitis, of the weasel family, having a black coat with a white, V-shaped stripe on the back, and ejecting a fetid odor when alarmed or attacked. Skunks are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal material and changing their diet as the seasons change. These are about the size of a tree squirrel and are the smallest skunks except for the pygmy spotted skunk (S. pygmaea), which can fit in a person’s hand. In the northern part of their range, they have a single solid white stripe starting at the top of the head that covers the tail and back. Updates? See more. Thus, the name has stuck because it is fitting. For the article summary, see. 1. countable a small black -and- white North American animal with a long thick tail. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. A person regarded as obnoxious or despicable. Pet skunks are mainly kept in the United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. range in size, but they are all small-medium sized mammals. agouti. Synonyms and related words Mammals found in North, Central and South America We fished all day but the lake skunked us. Its fur is typically black with a white “V” down the back, and it has a white bar between the eyes, as does the rare hooded skunk (M. macroura) of the southwestern United States. skunk: A regional slang term for: (1) Marijuana, see there. b. Find out the true meaning and symbolism of the skunk in this special spirit animal analysis. Striped Skunk (Mammal) The striped skunk is a night-time hunter, conspicuously colored to deter its enemies.Skunks live in small groups, often sharing a burrow with the species that dug it, perhaps a fox or a racoon.. Striped SkunkMephitis mephitis Location and Habitat Striped skunks can be found throughout North America, extending north to central Canada and south into northern Mexico. A pet skunk is a skunk kept by humans for companionship and enjoyment. Synonyms and related words. What about one that can fit in your hand, but scares the kids next door? Skunks live in America. a small, well-furred carnivore about the size of a house cat. Mammals found in North, Central and South America. Skunks live all over the place and if your dog gets curious about one, they may end up with a face full of stink. skunk (skunks plural ) A skunk is a small black and white animal which releases an unpleasant smelling liquid if it is frightened or attacked. The skunk family is composed of 11 species, 9 of which are found in the Western Hemisphere. English Language Learners Definition of skunk : a small black-and-white North American animal that produces a very strong and unpleasant smell when it is frightened or in danger US , informal : a very bad or unpleasant person Corrections? Striped and hooded skunks will face an adversary head-on and stamp their front paws, sometimes charging forward a few paces or edging backward while dragging their front paws. From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English skunk skunk / skʌŋk / noun 1 [countable] HBA a small black and white North American animal that produces a strong unpleasant smell if it is attacked or afraid 2 [uncountable] a very strong type of marijuana Examples from the Corpus skunk • Anyone who has encountered a skunk will know that before it fires its stinking spray it issues clear … All Rights Reserved. Assistant Research Professor of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, U.S. Below is the full article. Skunk - Idioms by The Free Dictionary ... "People do not realize how difficult it is to get sprayed by a skunk since these animals give a warning when alarmed by stamping their front feet. Most are about the size of a housecat, but some are significantly smaller. A skunk's sulfuric spray has a range of up to 10 feet, and its odor can be detected up to 1.5 miles. General appearance ranges from species to species, from black-and-white to brown or cream colored. Skunks live in America. The scent of this spray is so "offensive" that nothing can permeate the skunks defense to try to attack it. The glossy black and white fur of any of these mammals. Found only in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, they resemble small North American hog-nosed skunks with shorter tails. 2. uncountable noun Skunk is a type of powerful, strong-smelling marijuana. Skunk Meaning in the Realm of Animal Symbolism: Many years ago, I learned the animal symbolism of the skunk first-hand.I was walking through thick woods with my head down (no doubt looking for odd stuff – it’s the crow in me). Oh, god, Ully, this smells like a skunk crawled into my clothes! It produces a bad smell when it is threatened. To defeat overwhelmingly in a game or contest; often, specif., to keep (an opponent) from scoring any points. Skunk symbolism is present around the globe. However, despite is smelly reputation, the skunk symbolism has magical and mystical. While skunk droppings look similar to raccoons and cats, the contents may be the best way to differentiate. skunk. 1 A cat-sized American mammal of the weasel family, with distinctive black-and-white striped fur. When the skunk has a target to focus on, the spray is emitted as a stream directed at the predator’s face. Compare. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

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