mink

[ mingk ]

noun

, plural minks, (especially collectively) mink.

1. a semiaquatic weasellike animal of the genus Mustela, especially the North American M. vison.
2. the fur of this animal, brownish in the natural state and having lustrous outside hairs and a thick, soft undercoat.
3. a coat, stole, etc., made of this fur.

mink

/ mɪŋk /

noun

1. any of several semiaquatic musteline mammals of the genus Mustela, of Europe, Asia, and North America, having slightly webbed feet
2. the highly valued fur of these animals, esp that of the American mink ( M. vison )
3. a garment made of this, esp a woman's coat or stole

Word History and Origins

Origin of mink¹

1425–75; late Middle English, of uncertain origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of mink¹

C15: from Scandinavian; compare Danish mink, Swedish mänk

Example Sentences

It’s also been extremely deadly in seals, sea lions and minks.

From Salon

H5N1 is also presumed to have spread among mink on a fur farm in Spain.

From New York Times

Eric is a manifestation and an amalgamation of details in Edgar’s mind — a tail that mimics his cat and fur that matches the chevron of his grandmother’s mink.

From Los Angeles Times

Since virus samples could not be readily obtained after the outbreak in mink had been controlled, the team reconstructed the virus using publicly available genetic sequences.

From Science Daily

Most have been pets, including cats, dogs, ferrets, and hamsters; zoo animals, including great apes; and farmed mink.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• cloak
• frock
• jacket
• overcoat
• raincoat
• suit
• tuxedo
• windbreaker
• wrap