civetish
|civ-et-ish|
🇺🇸
/ˈsɪvətɪʃ/
🇬🇧
/ˈsɪvɪtɪʃ/
resembling a civet or its musky scent
Etymology
'civetish' is formed from the English noun 'civet' plus the adjectival suffix '-ish', where 'civet' itself entered English via Old French/Medieval Latin from earlier non‑European sources referring to the civet and its musk.
'civet' moved into English from Old French/Medieval Latin (e.g. Medieval Latin 'civetta' / Old French 'civette'), and the modern adjective 'civetish' was produced by adding the suffix '-ish' to describe resemblance or quality.
Originally referring specifically to the animal or the musk produced from it, the formed adjective came to mean 'resembling or having the qualities of civet,' especially in reference to scent or flavor.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
resembling or pertaining to a civet (the small mammal) — either in appearance, behavior, or association.
The zookeepers noted a civetish gait in the young animal.
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Adjective 2
having a scent, flavor, or quality reminiscent of civet or civet musk — often musky, animalic, or slightly pungent.
The vintage perfume had a civetish note that gave it an animalic warmth.
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Last updated: 2025/09/24 15:06