mongoose

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɒŋguːs/

noun (plural mongooses)

  • a small carnivorous mammal with a long body and tail and a grizzled or banded coat, native to Africa and Asia.
    • Family Herpestidae (or Viverridae): several genera, in particular Herpestes, and many species

Origin:

late 17th century: from Marathi maṅgūs