What does zibet mean?
Zibet is an uncommon noun with two linked senses. In modern zoological usage it usually denotes the Asian civet, Viverra zibeth, a catlike, spotted mammal native to South and Southeast Asia, although dictionaries sometimes use the word more broadly for a civet. In perfumery, zibet is a strongly scented material traditionally obtained from scent glands near the animal's anus. Its aroma is powerful and animalic, and synthetic substitutes have largely replaced the original substance in modern commercial fragrance. The ordinary word for the animal is generally civet, making zibet sound specialized, historical, or exotic, while the perfumery sense gives it an elegant antique association. A zibet is therefore the animal, whereas a vial of zibet is the perfume or scent. The word also survives as an archaic verb meaning “to perfume with zibet.” Although rarely necessary in everyday speech, zibet is useful for reading older travel, natural-history, and perfumery texts, where it can refer to either the creature or the celebrated substance derived from it.
A civet, especially the Asian civet, Viverra zibeth; also the strongly scented secretion obtained from a civet or a perfume made from it.
"The naturalist documented a zibet with dark spots and a long ringed tail."
The zoological and perfumery senses are distinct but historically linked. Civet is more common for the animal in general, while zibet is also used as the specific name of the Asian species.
To perfume something with zibet.
"The old text instructs the perfumer to zibet the gloves before presenting them."
Archaic and rarely used in modern English.
The regular plural, although the noun is uncommon in current usage.
"Rare zibets were once displayed in royal menageries."
Zibet turns the scent gland of a civet into one of perfumery's most famous—and now largely synthetic—ingredients.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zibet
Zibet entered English through French zibet, which was borrowed from Italian zibetto. The name ultimately derives from Arabic sibb, meaning musk or perfume, reflecting the civet's scented secretion. Italian zibetto and Spanish and Portuguese zibeto preserve the same borrowed word.
How zibet is actually used
Outside specialist, historical, and literary contexts, civet is the usual word for the animal. The perfumery sense is historically important but is now largely represented by synthetic substitutes. The verb is archaic and rarely encountered.
Easily confused with zibet
Zibet denotes a civet or the perfume derived from it, whereas zibeline denotes sable or sable fur.