mongoose
|mon-goose|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈmɑːŋˌɡuːs/
🇬🇧
/ˈmɒŋˌɡuːs/
snake hunter
Etymology
Etymology Information
'mongoose' originates from the Marathi word 'mangus', which is derived from the Telugu word 'mungisa'.
Historical Evolution
'mangus' transformed into the English word 'mongoose' through Portuguese influence.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to the animal itself, and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small carnivorous mammal native to Africa and Asia, known for its ability to hunt and kill venomous snakes.
The mongoose is known for its agility and speed when hunting snakes.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/10 10:50