Bonaparte's weasel

noun

: a small, short-tailed, chocolate-brown weasel of northeastern No. America that has a white coat in winter

Note: Bonaparte's weasel is considered either a subspecies (Mustela erminea cicognanii) of ermine or, especially formerly, a separate species (Mustela cicognanii).

Word History

Etymology

after C.L.J.L.Bonaparte

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Bonaparte's weasel

Cite this Entry

“Bonaparte's weasel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bonaparte%27s%20weasel. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!