civet cat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Specialized, Technical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “civet cat” mean?
A small, nocturnal, cat-like mammal of tropical Asia and Africa, known for secreting a strong-smelling substance used in perfume.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, nocturnal, cat-like mammal of tropical Asia and Africa, known for secreting a strong-smelling substance used in perfume.
Any of various small, carnivorous mammals of the family Viverridae, resembling cats but with longer snouts and often having spotted or banded fur.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Civet' alone is more common than the full term 'civet cat' in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, zoological; in perfume/aroma contexts, 'civet' has a specific technical connotation.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to zoology, wildlife, and perfume industries.
Grammar
How to Use “civet cat” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] civet cat [VERB].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in the context of the perfume trade ('civet absolute' is a perfume ingredient).
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and environmental science texts discussing mammal diversity and ecology.
Everyday
Extremely rare; might appear in wildlife documentaries or travel writing about tropical regions.
Technical
Used in taxonomy, wildlife conservation, and perfumery (referring to the glandular secretion).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “civet cat”
- Using 'civet cat' to refer to skunks or other North American mammals.
- Thinking it is a type of wild cat (like a lynx or leopard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, despite the name, civet cats are not true cats (family Felidae). They belong to the family Viverridae, which includes civets, genets, and linsangs.
Civet, the secretion from the civet cat's perineal glands, has historically been used as a fixative and fragrance ingredient in perfumery.
They are native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Different species inhabit forests, savannahs, and sometimes plantations.
Traditional collection often involved keeping animals in poor conditions. This has led to ethical concerns and a shift towards synthetic civetone or ethically sourced alternatives in the perfume industry.
A small, nocturnal, cat-like mammal of tropical Asia and Africa, known for secreting a strong-smelling substance used in perfume.
Civet cat is usually specialized, technical, formal in register.
Civet cat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪv.ɪt ˌkæt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪv.ɪt ˌkæt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As elusive as a civet cat (rare, non-standard)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CIVET CAT: A CAt-like animal that gives a musky secreTION. (C-A-T and the -T from secretion).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE OF CONTROVERSIAL PLEASURE (linking the animal to its valuable but ethically problematic secretion).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'civet cat' musk primarily known for?