What does viverrine mean?
Viverrine is a zoological word used either as a noun or an adjective. As a noun, it refers to any member of Viverridae, the mammalian family containing civets and genets. These animals generally have slender bodies, short legs, and catlike faces, although their closest living relatives are not members of the true cat family. As an adjective, viverrine means relating to these animals or resembling them. The term is chiefly used in biology, natural history, and museum descriptions, where it provides a convenient way to refer collectively to members of a family rather than identifying a particular species. It should not be confused with civet: a civet is one kind of viverrine, while the word viverrine covers the whole group. Knowing it is especially useful when reading descriptions of unfamiliar carnivorous mammals and comparing their anatomy with that of related species.
A member of the family Viverridae, comprising small to medium-sized carnivorous mammals such as civets and genets.
"The researchers used genetic evidence to determine whether the animal was a viverrine."
This is a technical zoological noun; the standard plural is viverrines.
Relating to or characteristic of a member of Viverridae; resembling a civet or genet.
"The guide described the animal's elongated body and flexible spine as viverrine traits."
Chiefly used in biological and zoological description.
The regular plural adds -s and is used when referring to more than one member of the family.
"The sanctuary cares for several viverrines, including civets and genets."
A viverrine is not one animal but an entire family: the same biological neighborhood that includes the famously scented civets also contains the elusive genets.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How viverrine is actually used
Viverrine is principally a zoological term. As an adjective, it is most often used in taxonomic descriptions rather than ordinary conversation.
Easily confused with viverrine
A civet is a particular kind of viverrine, whereas viverrine denotes any member of the entire family Viverridae.