What is "civet cat"

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.

2. (Zo["o]l) 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.

1. n. raccoon-like omnivorous mammal of Mexico and the southwestern United States having a long bushy tail with black and white rings [syn: bassarisk, cacomistle, cacomixle, coon cat, raccoon fox, ringtail, ring-tailed cat, miner's cat, Bassariscus astutus]

2. catlike mammal typically secreting musk used in perfumes [syn: civet]

Civet cat is an imprecise term that is used for a variety of cat-like creatures including:

• Civets, of the families Viverridae and Nandiniidae
• Ring-tailed cat or North American Civet Cat (Bassariscus astutus), related to the raccoons
• Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), a true cat
• African wildcat (Felis silvestris libyca), a true cat
• Spotted skunks, skunks of the genus Spilogale