kinkajou

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: kin=ka=jou

CIDE DICTIONARY

kinkajou, n. [F. kinkajou, quincajou, from the native American name.].

 A nocturnal carnivorous mammal (Cercoleptes caudivolvulus) of South America, about as large as a full-grown cat. It has a prehensile tail and lives in trees. It is the only representative of a distinct family (Cercoleptidæ) allied to the raccoons. Called also potto, and honey bear.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

kinkajou, n. a Central and S. American nocturnal fruit-eating mammal, Potos flavus, with a prehensile tail and living in trees.

Etymology

F quincajou f. N.Amer. Ind.: cf. Algonquin kwingwaage wolverine