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genet1

Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛnɪt/

Definition of genet

noun

a catlike nocturnal mammal of the civet family with short legs, spotted fur, and a long bushy ringed tail, found in Africa, SW Europe, and Arabia.
- Genus Genetta, family Viverridae: several species, in particular the common (or small-spotted) genet (G. genetta)
[mass noun] the fur of the genet.

Origin:

Middle English (used in the plural meaning 'genet skins'): from Old French genete, probably via Catalan, Portuguese, or Spanish from Arabic jarnaiṭ