phalanger

[fuh-lan-jer]

noun

1. any of numerous arboreal marsupials of the family Phalangeridae, of Australia, having foxlike ears and a long, bushy tail.

phalanger

/ fəˈlændʒə /

noun

1. Also called (Austral. and NZ): possum. any of various Australasian arboreal marsupials, such as Trichosurus vulpecula ( brush-tailed phalanger ), having dense fur and a long tail: family Phalangeridae See also flying phalanger

Word History and Origins

Origin of phalanger¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from French (Buffon) or from New Latin (1780), from Greek phalang-, stem of phálanx + New Latin -er, of unclear origin; the name refers to the syndactylous 2nd and 3rd digits of the hind feet; phalanx

Word History and Origins

Origin of phalanger¹

C18: via New Latin from Greek phalaggion spider's web, referring to its webbed hind toes

Example Sentences

Analogous cases occur under nature; Mr. Bartlett has seen many black varieties of the jaguar, leopard, vulpine phalanger and wombat; and he is certain that all, or nearly all, were males.

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These are the typical phalangers or `opossums,' as they are commonly called in Australia.

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At Rawak the phalanger and the sheepdog in a wild state were the only quadrupeds met with.

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There is also the flying phalanger," observed my friend; "an animal of the marsupial order, which is a native of Australia, and somewhat resembles the opossum.

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Several other species of phalangers inhabit these and other Asiatic islands, especially Celebes and New Ireland.

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