The African polecat, also known as the striped polecat, is a species of mammal that belongs to the weasel family. It is found in various parts of Africa and is known for its distinctive black and white stripes. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the African polecat, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, root words, and example sentences.
Definitions
The African polecat is a small carnivorous mammal that is native to Africa. It is also known as the zorilla or the striped polecat. The scientific name for this animal is Ictonyx striatus. It is closely related to the European polecat and the American skunk.
Origin
The African polecat is native to various parts of Africa, including southern and eastern Africa. It is found in a range of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and forests. It is a nocturnal animal that is active mainly at night.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the African polecat is “a small African mammal of the weasel family that has black and white stripes and ejects a malodorous secretion from its anal glands when disturbed.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the African polecat as “a small carnivorous mammal of southern and eastern Africa, with black and white stripes and a strong-smelling secretion.”
Associations
The African polecat is associated with the weasel family, which includes other small carnivorous mammals such as ferrets, otters, and minks. It is also associated with the skunk family, due to its ability to emit a strong-smelling secretion from its anal glands.
Synonyms
The African polecat is also known as the zorilla, striped polecat, African skunk, and African weasel.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for the African polecat.
The same root words
The African polecat does not have any specific root words.
Example Sentences
- The African polecat is known for its distinctive black and white stripes.
- The African polecat is a nocturnal animal that is active mainly at night.
- The African polecat emits a strong-smelling secretion from its anal glands when disturbed.
In conclusion, the African polecat is a small carnivorous mammal that is native to Africa. It is known for its distinctive black and white stripes and its ability to emit a strong-smelling secretion from its anal glands. It is closely related to the European polecat and the American skunk, and is associated with the weasel and skunk families. Its synonyms include zorilla, striped polecat, African skunk, and African weasel.