Category:Opossum

O*pos"sum, n. Etym: [of n. American indian origin.] (zoöl.)

Defn: any american marsupial of the genera didelphys and chironectes. The common species of the united states is didelphys virginiana.

Note: 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. Opossum mouse. (zoöl.) See flying mouse, under Flying. -- opossum shrimp (zoöl.), any schizopod crustacean of the genus Mysis and allied genera. See schizopoda.