SURICATE Meaning and
Definition
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A suricate, also known as a meerkat, is a small carnivorous mammal belonging to the mongoose family and native to the arid regions of southern Africa. Scientifically known as Suricata suricatta, suricates are highly social creatures and are often found living in close-knit groups called mobs or clans.
Characterized by their slender bodies, these small animals typically measure about 25-35 cm (10-14 inches) long, with an additional 17-25 cm (6.5-10 inches) long tail. They have pointy snouts, small rounded ears, and large, expressive eyes. Their fur is typically tan or gray in color, with distinctive dark stripes extending across their backs.
Suricates are renowned for their cooperative behavior, grooming, and vigilance, which are key to their survival in the harsh desert environment they inhabit. They are diurnal animals, spending most of the day foraging for insects, small reptiles, and other invertebrates. Suricates are known for their ability to stand upright on their hind legs, scanning the surroundings for potential predators or opportunities. They are agile and skilled diggers, creating elaborate tunnel systems in the ground where they seek shelter and build their underground nests.
With their charming and charismatic appearance, suricates have gained significant popularity, featuring in numerous wildlife documentaries and even becoming symbols of teamwork and social interaction. Their strong family bonds and cooperative nature continue to fascinate researchers and nature enthusiasts alike, making them beloved icons of the African savannah.
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A carnivorous African quadruped allied to the ichneumon, somewhat smaller than the domestic cat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SURICATE
- auricate
- zuricate
- xuricate
- duricate
- euricate
- wuricate
- syricate
- shricate
- sjricate
- siricate
- s8ricate
- s7ricate
- sueicate
- sudicate
- suticate
- surucate
- surjcate
- surkcate
Etymology of SURICATE
The word suricate is derived from the Afrikaans language, which itself borrowed it from one of the Bantu languages spoken in southern Africa. In the Nama language, spoken by the Khoekhoen people of Namibia, the word for this small mongoose-like animal is suri-kate, which means red-eye.
Similar spelling words for SURICATE
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