Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈwaɪt neɪpt ˈwiːzəl/

Meaning and Usage

The term "white-naped weasel" refers to a specific species of small carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Mustelidae. This weasel is notable for its distinctive white fur on the nape of its neck. It is often found in various habitats including forests and grasslands, especially in East Asia.

In terms of frequency of use, "white-naped weasel" is a specific term that is more commonly used in written contexts, particularly in scientific texts, wildlife documentation, or discussions related to biodiversity and conservation. It is not as prevalent in casual oral communication.

Example Sentences

1. The white-naped weasel is known for its agility and cunning hunting skills.
   Бжанка с белой шейкой известна своей ловкостью и изобретательными охотничьими навыками.

2. Conservation efforts are crucial for the protection of the white-naped weasel's natural habitat.
   Усилия по охране окружающей среды важны для защиты естественной среды обитания бжанки с белой шейкой.

3. Researchers have documented the behavior of the white-naped weasel in various ecosystems.
   Исследователи задокументировали поведение бжанки с белой шейкой в различных экосистемах.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "white-naped weasel" itself does not feature heavily in idiomatic expressions, references to the weasel in general can be found in some idioms, typically relating to cunning or trickery. Below are some examples with general weasel-related expressions.

1. Don’t be a weasel; just admit your mistake and move on.
   Не будь как ласка; просто признай свою ошибку и двигайся дальше.

2. He weaseled his way out of the commitment at the last minute.
   Он выкрутился из обязательства в последнюю минуту.

3. The weasel words in his statement made it hard to trust him.
   Лукавые слова в его заявлении затруднили доверие к нему.

4. She always manages to weasel herself into the conversation, no matter the topic.
   Она всегда умудряется втянуть себя в разговор, независимо от темы.

5. Just like a weasel, he got away with the plan without anyone noticing.
   Как настоящая ласка, он ушел с планом, не привлекая ничьего внимания.

Etymology

The term "weasel" comes from the Old English word wīsul, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic wīzula, referring to the small mammals in the Mustelidae family. The specific designation "white-naped" describes the weasel's identifiable fur pattern, with "white" indicating its color and "nape" referring to the back of its neck.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- Mustelid
- Carnivore

Antonyms:
- Herbivore
- Omnivore