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coati

noun
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co·​a·​ti | \ kə-ˈwä-tē How to pronounce coati (audio) , kō-ˈä-, kwä-ˈtē How to pronounce coati (audio) \

Definition of coati

1 : either of two tropical American mammals (Nasua nasua and N. narica) related to the raccoon but with a longer body and tail and a long flexible snout
2 : mountain coati

Illustration of coati

Illustration of coati

Examples of coati in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Larissa Pratta Campos, a veterinary student, has helped treat wild boar, marsh deer, birds, primates and a raccoon-like creature called a coati. — Scott Reinhard, New York Times, "The World’s Largest Tropical Wetland Has Become an Inferno," 13 Oct. 2020 Many, like the coati—a raccoon relative—are found wandering along the roadside, dehydrated and exhausted. — Jill Langlois, National Geographic, "Volunteers coming to rescue jaguars, other animals injured during Brazil's wildfires," 2 Oct. 2020 Black bears, ocelots, pronghorn and coati call the area home. — Erin Stone, azcentral, "As wall construction continues, conservation groups fear the fate of San Pedro River," 13 May 2020 This marks the second year in a row that Bella and Rose have delivered a total of six coati kits, Littman said. — John Sowell, idahostatesman, "Awww. Zoo Boise welcomes 6 baby coatis, part of the raccoon family," 29 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'coati.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of coati

1676, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for coati

Portuguese quati, coati, from Tupi kwáti

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Cite this Entry

“Coati.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coati. Accessed 1 Mar. 2021.

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More from Merriam-Webster on coati

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about coati

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