Definition

A small, grayish-brown mammal found in North America, known for its black facial markings and bushy tail. It is mostly active at night and has a varied diet that includes fruits, nuts, and small animals.

Example

We saw a raccoon rummaging through the trash in our backyard last night.

Conversation

I saw a raccoon rummaging through the trash last night.

Really? Those little guys can be quite the troublemakers.

Yeah, it was so cute but also kind of messy!

They are adorable, but I guess they can cause a lot of chaos.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'raccoon' comes from the Powhatan word 'aroughcun', meaning 'animal that scratches with its hands'. It was adopted into English in the early 17th century, reflecting the animal's notable behavior of using its paws to manipulate objects.

Memory Tip

Imagine an animal that 'scratches with its hands' — that's what the name 'raccoon' refers to, highlighting its unique behavior.

Visually Confused Words