mongoose

noun

1. A small to medium-sized carnivorous mammal of the family Herpestidae, native to Africa, southern Asia, and southern Europe, known for its ability to kill snakes, including venomous ones such as cobras.

   B2

   countable

   • "A mongoose darted across the road and disappeared into the bushes."A2
   • "Mongooses are famous for their agility and their skill at fighting snakes."B1
   • "The dwarf mongoose is one of the smallest members of the Herpestidae family and lives in cooperative social groups."C1

2. Any of various similar animals belonging to the family Eupleridae, found only in Madagascar, such as the ring-tailed mongoose.

   C2

   countable

   • "The ring-tailed mongoose is endemic to the forests of Madagascar."B2