ratel

noun

ra·tel ˈrä-tᵊl

ˈrā-

: an African or Asian nocturnal omnivorous mammal (Mellivora capensis) of the weasel family that resembles a badger

Etymology

Afrikaans, literally, rattle, from Dutch, from Middle Dutch — more at rattle

First Known Use

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ratel was in 1777

See more words from the same year

Style

“Ratel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratel. Accessed 9 Feb. 2023.

Copy Citation

Get Word of the Day daily email!

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY