raccoon
UK: rəˈkuːn | US: ræˈkuːn
n. a small nocturnal mammal native to North America, characterized by a black mask-like facial marking and a ringed tail.
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The word "raccoon" originates from the Powhatan (Algonquian) word arahkunem, meaning "he scratches with his hands." Early English settlers in North America adopted the term, which evolved into "raccoon" by the 17th century. The animal’s name reflects its dexterous front paws, used for foraging. The word’s spelling and pronunciation were standardized over time, but it remains a direct loanword from Indigenous languages without further morpheme division.
The raccoon rummaged through the trash cans at night.
Raccoons are known for their intelligence and adaptability.
A baby raccoon is called a "kit."
The raccoon’s masked face makes it easily recognizable.
Wildlife experts advise against feeding raccoons to avoid habituation.