wolverine

wol·ver·ine

noun \ˌwu̇l-və-ˈrēn\

plural wolverines

Definition of WOLVERINE

1

plural also wolverine

a : a carnivorous usually solitary mammal (Gulo gulo) of the weasel family of northern forests and associated tundra that is dark brown with a light brown band on each side of the body and is noted for its strength

b : the fur of the wolverine

2

capitalized : a native or resident of Michigan —used as a nickname

Illustration of WOLVERINE

Origin of WOLVERINE

probably irregular from wolv- (as in wolves)

First Known Use: 1574

Rhymes with WOLVERINE

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wolverine

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Wolverine (Gulo gulo).—Alan G. Nelson/Root Resources

Solitary, voracious, nocturnal carnivore (Gulo gulo) that inhabits northern timberlands worldwide. Wolverines are 26–36 in. (65–90 cm) long and 14–18 in. (36–45 cm) high, and weigh 20–65 lbs (9–30 kg); the bushy tail is 5–10-in. (13–26-cm) long. They have short bowed legs, hairy soles, and long, sharp claws. Their long, coarse hair, used to trim parkas, is blackish brown, with a light horizontal strip. The anal glands secrete an unpleasant-smelling fluid. A cunning, fearless predator, the wolverine will attack almost any animal, including sheep, deer, and small bears.

Variants of WOLVERINE

wolverine or skunk bear