mustelid etymology

Etymology:

The word "mustelid" is derived from the Latin word "mustela," which means "weasel."

Meaning:

A mustelid is a member of the taxonomic family Mustelidae, which is a group of small to medium-sized mammals characterized by their elongated, slender bodies and carnivorous diets.

Origin:

The family Mustelidae is believed to have originated in North America during the Oligocene epoch, around 30 million years ago. The earliest known mustelids were tree-dwelling animals that resembled modern martens. Over time, the family diversified into various species that adapted to a wide range of habitats and dietary niches.

Today, mustelids are found on all continents except Antarctica. They include a diverse range of species, including:

  • Weasels
  • Martens
  • Minks
  • Otters
  • Ferrets
  • Wolverines
  • Badgers
  • Skunks

mustelid relate terms

  • mouse

    Etymology The word mouse descends from Proto Germanic mūs itself from Proto Indo Eur

  • muscle

    Etymology Latin musculus diminutive of mus mouse French muscle Meaning A cont

  • musteline

    Etymology Mustela Mustelidae Meaning Weasels otters badgers and their allies Orig

  • mustelid

    Etymology The word mustelid is derived from the Latin word mustela which means wea

  • ferret

    Etymology The word ferret comes from the Middle French word furet meaning little t

  • badger

    Etymology The word badger comes from the Middle English word bajer 13th century w

  • polecat

    Etymology The word polecat originates from the Middle English word polcat which is a

  • otter

    Etymology The word otter comes from the Old English word otor which in turn is deri

  • marten

    Etymology The word marten is derived from the Old French word martrine which in tur

  • weasel

    Etymology and Meaning The word weasel has Germanic origins Proto Germanic wesula O

  • glutton

    Etymology The word glutton comes from the Old French word gluton which is derived fr

  • mammal

    Etymology The word mammal is derived from the Latin word mamma which means breast

  • contrast

    Feature Etymology Meaning Origin Etymology Greek The stu