rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryraccoonMasked mammal
noun

raccoon

ra-KOON/ræˈkuːn/

A nocturnal North American mammal with a ringed tail and dark markings around its eyes.

The raccoon has a dark facial mask and a clearly ringed tail.

A single gray raccoon in three-quarter view, with its black facial mask and fully visible ringed tail clearly identifying the animal.
Etymology
raccoonPowhatanraccoon

The Powhatan animal name is said to come from an expression meaning “he scratches with the hands,” tentatively connecting the name with the animal’s scratching with its forepaws.

In context

The Wooded Beardsman75:37
raccoon is not the trash Panda of urban Fame that's eating people's diapers and leftover sandwiches and shoelaces and things
First OVERNIGHT at the CABIN! | THIS MAN Only Eats Wild Food! Ep5

More examples

  • The raccoon's ringed tail hangs over the tree branch.
  • Dark markings around its eyes make the raccoon look masked.
  • We secure our trash cans to keep raccoons out.

Forms

raccoon · raccoons