Word Study
civet
CIDE DICTIONARY
civet, n. [F. civette (cf. It. zibetto) civet, civet cat, fr. LGr. zape`tion, fr. Ar. zub, zab, civet.].
- A substance, of the consistence of butter or honey, taken from glands in the anal pouch of the civet (
Viverra civetta ). It is of clear yellowish or brownish color, of a strong, musky odor, offensive when undiluted, but agreeable when a small portion is mixed with another substance. It is used as a perfume. [1913 Webster] - The animal that produces civet (
Viverra civetta ); -- called alsocivet cat . It is carnivorous, from two to three feet long, and of a brownish gray color, with transverse black bands and spots on the body and tail. It is a native of northern Africa and of Asia. The name is also applied to other species. [1913 Webster]
civet, v. t.
To scent or perfume with civet. Cowper [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
civet, n.
1 (in full civet-cat) any catlike animal of the mongoose family, esp. Civettictis civetta of Central Africa, having well developed anal scent glands.
2 a strong musky perfume obtained from the secretions of these scent glands.
1 (in full civet-cat) any catlike animal of the mongoose family, esp. Civettictis civetta of Central Africa, having well developed anal scent glands.
2 a strong musky perfume obtained from the secretions of these scent glands.
Etymology
F civette f. It. zibetto f. med.L zibethum f. Arab. azzabad f. al the + zabad this perfume
ROGET THESAURUS
civet
Fragrance
N fragrance, aroma, redolence, perfume, bouquet, essence, scent, sweet smell, aromatic perfume, agalloch, agallochium, aloes wood, bay rum, calambac, calambour, champak, horehound, lign-aloes, marrubium, mint, muskrat, napha water, olibanum, spirit of myrcia, essential oil, incense, musk, frankincense, pastil, pastille, myrrh, perfumes of Arabia, otto, ottar, attar, bergamot, balm, civet, potpourri, pulvil, nosegay, scentbag, sachet, smelling bottle, vinaigrette, eau de Cologne, toilet water, lotion, after-shave lotion, thurification, perfumer, eucalyptus oil, pinene, fragrant, aromatic, redolent, spicy, savory, balmy, scented, sweet-smelling, sweet-scented, perfumed, perfumatory, thuriferous, fragrant as a rose, muscadine, ambrosial.For further exploring for "civet" in Webster Dictionary Online
