O-pŏs'sum, n.

noun

n. [Originally opassom, in the language of the Indians of Virginia.] (Zoöl.) An animal of several species of marsupial quadrupeds of the genus Didelphys. The common species of the United States is the D. Virginiana. Another species, common in Texas and California, is D. Californica, and other species are found in South America.

An opossum clings to a branch beside a smaller twig with berries. — Virginia Opossum (*Didelphys Virginiana*).