noun
mongoose
Rare term for mongoose; the more common word is マングース. This word is a compound of 猫 (cat) and 鼬 (weasel), literally 'cat-weasel'.
See also: マングース
ネコイタチはマングースの別名として使われることがある。
ネコイタチ is sometimes used as another name for mongoose.
マングース is the standard modern Japanese word for mongoose. ネコイタチ is a rare, older alternative.
Compound of 猫 (cat) and 鼬 (weasel), literally 'cat-weasel', describing the animal's appearance. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is likely a calque or older Japanese coinage.