civet cat

Noun

Synonyms: bassarisk cacomistle cacomixle coon cat raccoon fox ringtail ring-tailed cat civet cat miner's cat Bassariscus astutus civet

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

raccoon-like omnivorous mammal of Mexico and the southwestern United States having a long bushy tail with black and white ringsSynonyms: bassarisk cacomistle cacomixle coon cat raccoon fox ringtail ring-tailed cat civet cat miner's cat Bassariscus astutus
cat-like mammal typically secreting musk used in perfumesSynonyms: civet civet cat

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Civet \Civ"et\ (s[i^]v"[e^]t), n. [F. civette (cf. It. zibetto) civet, civet cat, fr. LGr. zape`tion, fr. Ar. zub[=a]d, zab[=a]d, civet.]

1.A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken from glands in the anal pouch of the civet (Viverra civetta). It is of clear yellowish or brownish color, of a strong, musky odor, offensive when undiluted, but agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another substance. It is used as a perfume. [1913 Webster]

2.(Zool) The animal that produces civet (Viverra civetta); -- called also civet cat. It is carnivorous, from two to three feet long, and of a brownish gray color, with transverse black bands and spots on the body and tail. It is a native of northern Africa and of Asia. The name is also applied to other species. [1913 Webster]