opossum

Everyday

1. An opossum is a North and South American marsupial about the size of a cat, with a pointed white face, bare ears and a long, bare tail that can grip branches. tree →
2. In Australia and New Zealand, «possum» is a different marsupial: a furry tree animal like the brushtail possum. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons opossums are the only marsupials (mammals with a pouch) in North America; babies, born tiny, grow in the mother's pouch and later ride on her back. When scared, an opossum may «play dead» — it falls over, lies still and smells bad — the origin of the phrase «playing possum». In New Zealand, introduced Australian possums are pests that damage forests and birds. Phrases: «play possum», «Virginia opossum».

Examples

• The opossum hung from the branch by its tail. tree →
• A mother opossum carried her babies on her back. tree →
• The opossum played dead when the dog sniffed it. tree →
• «Playing possum» means pretending to be asleep or dead. tree →
• Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. tree →
• In Australia, a brushtail possum lived in our roof! tree →

Note

Plural «opossums». Use «an»: «an opossum». In North America people often drop the o and say «possum». Trap: American opossums and Australian possums are different animals, though both are marsupials. Myth: opossums don't hang by their tails to sleep.