mustelid

[ muhs-tl-id ]

noun

1. any of numerous carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae, comprising the weasels, martens, skunks, badgers, and otters.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Mustelidae.

mustelid

/ mŭs′tə-lĭd′ /

1. Any of various small to midsize carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae, usually having long, slender bodies, short legs, and well-developed anal scent glands. The pelts of many mustelids have been important for use in clothing. Weasels, skunks, badgers, wolverines, ferrets, mink, martens, and otters are mustelids.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mustelid¹

1905–10; < New Latin Mustelidae family name, equivalent to Mustel ( a ) a genus ( Latin mustēla weasel) + -idae -id ²

Example Sentences

"It's a super rare mutation," says Stankowich, who has studied mustelids, a group that includes badgers, minks, and weasels.

From National Geographic

Otters primarily eat fish and are taxonomically part of the mustelid family along with weasels, badgers and wolverines.

From Washington Times

A wolverine was spotted three times recently in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, the second mustelid mammal specimen spotted in the state in the past century.

From Washington Times

If your husband can simply say, “Please, I don’t want a ferret,” you must give up your mustelid dreams.

From New York Times

Mink belong to the mustelid family of animals, which includes weasels, badgers, otters, martens, wolverines and ferrets.

From New York Times