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]