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DictionarypolecatWeasel relative
noun

polecat

POHL-kat/ˈpəʊlkæt/

A small mammal of the weasel family that releases a strong smell.

The polecat has a long body, dark fur, and a pale facial mask.

An accurate European polecat with long low weasel-like body, dark brown coat and pale facial mask walks beside a small grass tuft; no skunk stripes, cat anatomy or drawn odor symbols.
Etymology
polecatMiddle Englishpolecat

The early form pol-cat already named this strong-smelling predator. Its first element may refer to hens it preyed on, or may mean “stinking”; the second element is cat.

In context

Planet Doc Express Documentaries0:06
The polecat -a ferocious and courageous mustelid, unafraid to take on highly dangerous enemies.
Polecat (Wild Ferret) vs Snake | Express Documentary

More examples

  • The European polecat has dark fur and a pale facial pattern.
  • A polecat searched the woodland edge for prey.
  • The enclosure housed an injured polecat.

Forms

polecat · polecats

Similar words

ferret
A domestic ferret is closely related to polecats but is domesticated.
weasel
Weasel names related small mammals; a polecat has its own distinctive size, coloring, and scent.