civet
|civ-et|
C1
/ˈsɪvɪt/
musky mammal
Etymology
Etymology Information
'civet' originates from French, specifically the word 'civette,' where 'civet' meant 'a small carnivorous mammal.'
Historical Evolution
'civette' transformed into the English word 'civet' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'a small carnivorous mammal,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small, nocturnal mammal native to tropical Asia and Africa, known for its musky scent.
The civet is often found in the forests of Southeast Asia.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a musky perfume obtained from the glandular secretions of the civet cat.
The perfume contained a hint of civet, giving it a unique aroma.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/07 18:08