Definition

A person who prepares and preserves the skins of animals by stuffing them to make them look lifelike.

Example

The taxidermist skillfully mounted the deer for display in the museum.

Conversation

Have you ever met a taxidermist?

No, I haven't. What do they do exactly?

They stuff animals to preserve them, which is pretty interesting.

That sounds fascinating! I wonder how they learn to do that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Taxidermist → It is formed from "taxidermia" (from Greek "taxis" meaning arrangement and "derma" meaning skin) and "-ist" (meaning one who practices or specializes in). The word refers to a person who specializes in the arrangement of skins, particularly in preserving the skins of animals for display.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who specializes in 'arranging' ('taxis') 'skins' ('derma') of animals — that's what a taxidermist does.

Visually Confused Words