ringtail

[ring-teyl]

noun

1. any phalanger of the genus Pseudocheirus, having the prehensile tail tails curled into a ring.

2. cacomistle.

3. Also called ringsail. Nautical.,  a narrow studdingsail set abaft a gaff sail, especially a spanker, upon spears extending beyond the gaff and boom.

adjective

1. ring-tailed.

ringtail

/ ˈrɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

1. Also called: ring-tailed cat. another name for cacomistle

2. Also called: ringtail possum. any of several possums having curling prehensile tails used to grasp branches while climbing

Word History and Origins

Origin of ringtail¹

First recorded in 1530–40; ring ¹ + tail ¹

Example Sentences

Mountain lions, ringtail cats and wolverines are protected species in California, as the agency notes, and permits are required for mounted raptors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On Dec. 11, video recorders captured a mountain lion sniffing around, followed on Dec. 14 by a foraging mama bear and cub, two javelinas on Dec. 18 and, the next day, a sad-eyed ringtail cat.

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Authorities say coatimundi are social animals and unlike their cousins the ringtail and the raccoon, are diurnal, which means they are active during the day.

Read more on Washington Times

Its warm, fresh water is a magnet for ringtails, muskrats and whitetail deer, so hang out quietly and you may score a wildlife viewing.

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In Balmoral, NSW, relatives of another volunteer firefighter shared these incredible images of a ringtail possum escaping the flames and finding safety in an RFS helmet.

Read more on The Guardian