ichneumon

American  

[ik-noo-muhn, -nyoo-] / ɪkˈnu mən, -ˈnyu- /

noun

1. Also called African mongoose.  Also called Egyptian mongoose.  a slender, long-tailed mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon, inhabiting Africa and southern Europe, and believed by the ancient Egyptians to devour crocodile eggs.

2. ichneumon fly.

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ichneumon British  

/ ɪkˈnjuːmən /

noun

1. a mongoose, Herpestes ichneumon, of Africa and S Europe, having greyish-brown speckled fur

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Etymology

Origin of ichneumon

1565–75; < Latin < Greek ichneúmōn tracker, equivalent to ichneú ( ein ) to track ( see ichno-) + -mōn agent suffix

Example Sentences

The ichneumon wasp was a challenge to Darwin’s already diminishing faith.

From The Guardian • Nov. 12, 2016

And though it isn’t a beetle, the elegant pipe cleaner, an ichneumon wasp, looks as if it’s preening for its first portrait as a principal ballet dancer.

From New York Times • Dec. 2, 2013

The girls recovered on cerumen, chaffinch and ichneumon.

From Time Magazine Archive

Essay on the Nature of Various Animals", "I had an ichneumon very young, which I brought up.

From Natural History in Anecdote Illustrating the nature, habits, manners and customs of animals, birds, fishes, reptiles, etc., etc., etc. by Various

Two roe-deer were reported to have broken back, and several mongoose, or ichneumon, were also observed during these drives, but were always permitted to pass.

From Wild Spain (Espa?a agreste) Records of Sport with Rifle, Rod, and Gun, Natural History Exploration by Buck, Walter J.