also: びゃっこ
noun
white fox; supernatural white fox
Refers to an old, white fox traditionally believed to possess supernatural powers in Japanese folklore. Often associated with Inari or as a messenger of the gods.
白狐は神の使いとされている。
The white fox is considered a messenger of the gods.
昔話にはよく白狐が登場する。
White foxes often appear in old tales.
noun
Arctic fox
Zoological term for the Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). In everyday contexts, ホッキョクギツネ is more common.
See also: ホッキョクギツネ
白狐は北極圏に生息している。
The Arctic fox inhabits the Arctic region.
Compound of 白 (しろ, 'white') and 狐 (きつね, 'fox'). The reading びゃっこ is the on'yomi version, used in older or literary contexts.