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ichneumon

noun
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ich·​neu·​mon | \ ik-ˈnü-mən How to pronounce ichneumon (audio) , -ˈnyü- \

Definition of ichneumon

1 : a mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon) of Africa, southern Europe, and southwestern Asia
2 : ichneumon wasp

First Known Use of ichneumon

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for ichneumon

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek ichneumōn, literally, tracker, from ichneuein to track, from ichnos footprint

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The first known use of ichneumon was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Ichneumon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ichneumon. Accessed 23 Apr. 2021.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ichneumon

Nglish: Translation of ichneumon for Spanish Speakers

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