viverra civetta

1 definition found

viverra civetta - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Civet \Civ"et\ (s[i^]v"[e^]t), n. [F. civette (cf. It. zibetto)
     civet, civet cat, fr. LGr. zape`tion, fr. Ar. zub[=a]d,
     zab[=a]d, civet.]
     1. A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken
        from glands in the anal pouch of the civet (Viverra  civetta
        ). It is of clear yellowish or brownish color, of
        a strong, musky odor, offensive when undiluted, but
        agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another
        substance. It is used as a perfume.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Zool) The animal that produces civet (Viverra civetta);
        -- called also civet cat. It is carnivorous, from two to
        three feet long, and of a brownish gray color, with
        transverse black bands and spots on the body and tail. It
        is a native of northern Africa and of Asia. The name is
        also applied to other species.
        [1913 Webster]