Opossum \O*pos"sum\, n. [Of N. American Indian origin.] (Zool.) Any American marsupial of the genera {Didelphys} and {Chironectes}; called also {possum}. The common species of the United States is {Didelphys Virginiana}. [1913 Webster] Note: Several related species are found in South America. The water opossum of Brazil ({Chironectes variegatus}), which has the hind feet, webbed, is provided with a marsupial pouch and with cheek pouches. It is called also {yapock}. [1913 Webster] {Opossum mouse}. (Zool.) See {Flying mouse}, under {Flying}. {Opossum shrimp} (Zool.), any schizopod crustacean of the genus {Mysis} and allied genera. See {Schizopoda}. [1913 Webster]
Yapock \Ya"pock\ (?; 277), n. [Probably from the river Oyapok, between French Guiana and Brazil.] (Zool.) A South American aquatic opossum ({Chironectes variegatus}) found in Guiana and Brazil. Its hind feet are webbed, and its fore feet do not have an opposable thumb for climbing. Called also {water opossum}. [Written also {yapack}.] [1913 Webster] [1913 Webster]