phalanger

[ fuh-lan-jer ]

noun

1. any of numerous arboreal marsupials of the family Phalangeridae, of Australia, having foxlike ears and a long, bushy tail.

phalanger

/ fəˈlændʒə /

noun

1. any of various Australasian arboreal marsupials, such as Trichosurus vulpecula ( brush-tailed phalanger ), having dense fur and a long tail: family Phalangeridae Also called (Austral. and NZ)possum See also flying phalanger

Word History and Origins

Origin of phalanger¹

First recorded in 1765–75; from French (Buffon) or from New Latin (1780), from Greek phalang-, stem of phálanx + New Latin -er, of unclear origin; the name refers to the syndactylous 2nd and 3rd digits of the hind feet; phalanx

Word History and Origins

Origin of phalanger¹

C18: via New Latin from Greek phalaggion spider's web, referring to its webbed hind toes

Example Sentences

Analogous cases occur under nature; Mr. Bartlett has seen many black varieties of the jaguar, leopard, vulpine phalanger and wombat; and he is certain that all, or nearly all, were males.

From Project Gutenberg

These are the typical phalangers or `opossums,' as they are commonly called in Australia.

From Project Gutenberg

At Rawak the phalanger and the sheepdog in a wild state were the only quadrupeds met with.

From Project Gutenberg

There is also the flying phalanger," observed my friend; "an animal of the marsupial order, which is a native of Australia, and somewhat resembles the opossum.

From Project Gutenberg

Several other species of phalangers inhabit these and other Asiatic islands, especially Celebes and New Ireland.

From Project Gutenberg