zoril

zoril (ZAWR-il, ZOR-il) - n., a small carnivorous nocturnal African mammal (Ictonyx striatus) resembling a skunk in coloration and habits.


Also called zorille, zorilla, muishond, striped polecat, and African skunk. Said habits including stinking when frightened, but like other polecats, it's more closely related to weasels than other mephitids. Lives mainly in dry and arid places, so savannahs and other open country. Name is from French zorille, from Spanish zorrillo, from zorro, fox, + diminutive suffix.


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---L.