n. [ Of N. American Indian origin. ] (Zool.) Any American marsupial of the genera Didelphys and Chironectes; called also possum. The common species of the United States is Didelphys Virginiana. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ Several related species are found in South America. The water opossum of Brazil (Chironectes variegatus), which has the hind feet, webbed, is provided with a marsupial pouch and with cheek pouches. It is called also yapock. [ 1913 Webster ] Opossum mouse. (Zool.) See Flying mouse, under Flying. -- Opossum shrimp (Zool.), any schizopod crustacean of the genus Mysis and allied genera. See Schizopoda. [ 1913 Webster ]
|