ringtail

[ ring-teyl ]

noun

1. any phalanger of the genus Pseudocheirus, having the prehensile tail tails curled into a ring.
2. cacomistle.
3. Also called ringsail. Nautical. a narrow studdingsail set abaft a gaff sail, especially a spanker, upon spears extending beyond the gaff and boom.

adjective

1. ring-tailed.

ringtail

/ ˈrɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

1. Also calledring-tailed cat another name for cacomistle
2. Also calledringtail possum any of several possums having curling prehensile tails used to grasp branches while climbing

Word History and Origins

Origin of ringtail¹

First recorded in 1530–40; ring ¹ + tail ¹

Example Sentences

On Dec. 11, video recorders captured a mountain lion sniffing around, followed on Dec. 14 by a foraging mama bear and cub, two javelinas on Dec. 18 and, the next day, a sad-eyed ringtail cat.

From Los Angeles Times

Authorities say coatimundi are social animals and unlike their cousins the ringtail and the raccoon, are diurnal, which means they are active during the day.

From Washington Times

Its warm, fresh water is a magnet for ringtails, muskrats and whitetail deer, so hang out quietly and you may score a wildlife viewing.

From Los Angeles Times

In Balmoral, NSW, relatives of another volunteer firefighter shared these incredible images of a ringtail possum escaping the flames and finding safety in an RFS helmet.

From The Guardian

Over the weekend he was out on a run in Balmoral and found this ringtail possum in the middle of the road.

From The Guardian