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n. pl. opossum or o·pos·sums 1. Any of various nocturnal, usually arboreal marsupials of the family Didelphidae of the Americas, especially Didelphis virginiana of North and Central America, having a thick coat, a long snout, and a long prehensile tail. See Note at tater. 2. A possum of Australia and adjacent islands. [Virginia Algonquian.]  (click for a larger image) opossumadult female opossum, Didelphis virginiana, transporting offspring on her back |
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