ringtail

[ ring-teyl ]

/ ˈrɪŋˌteɪl /

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noun

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

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

adjective

ring-tailed.

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Origin of ringtail

First recorded in 1530–40; ring¹ + tail¹

Words nearby ringtail

ring spot, ringster, ring stone, ringstraked, ring-streaked, ringtail, ring-tailed, ringtail monkey, ring taw, ring the changes, ringtone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use ringtail in a sentence

Stealthily though Ringtail advanced, sharp eyes noted his approach.
Followers of the Trail|Zoe Meyer
In the shallows where it had spread over its low banks, Ringtail found an abundance of food and fed daintily.
Followers of the Trail|Zoe Meyer
The next night found Ringtail entirely recovered from his adventure and once more abroad.
Followers of the Trail|Zoe Meyer
Ringtail was free to continue his way homeward, limping slightly but proud of his victory.
Followers of the Trail|Zoe Meyer

A few nights later Ringtail met with a strange adventure, one which left him thoroughly puzzled.
Followers of the Trail|Zoe Meyer

British Dictionary definitions for ringtail

ringtail

/ (ˈrɪŋˌteɪl) /

noun

Also called: ring-tailed cat another name for cacomistle

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012