RATEL

ratel, honey badger, Mellivora capensis

(noun) nocturnal badger-like carnivore of wooded regions of Africa and southern Asia

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

ratel (plural ratels)

A carnivorous mammal, Mellivora capensis, found in Africa and some parts of Asia; the honey badger.

Anagrams

• Alert, alert, alter, alter-, altre, artel, later, taler, telar

Source: Wiktionary


Ra"tel, n. Etym: [F.] (Zoƶl.)

Definition: Any carnivore of the genus Mellivora, allied to the weasels and the skunks; -- called also honey badger.

Note: Several species are known in Africa and India. The Cape ratel (M. Capensis) and the Indian ratel (M. Indica) are the best known. The back is gray; the lower parts, face, and tail are black. They are fond of honey, and rob the nests of wild bees.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

29 May 2025

CRITICAL

(adjective) characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; ā€œa critical readingā€; ā€œa critical dissertationā€; ā€œa critical analysis of Melville’s writingsā€


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In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.

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