civet

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈsɪ.vɪt/

• Audio (UK)

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Noun

Singular civet

Plural civets

1. (countable) Any of various slender, nocturnal, catlike mammals (family Viverridae and related families) native to tropical Asia and Africa, having spotted or banded fur, a long tail, and perineal scent glands.
2. A thick, yellowish, musky secretion obtained from the scent glands of this animal, historically used as a fixative in perfumes (now largely replaced by synthetic versions).