ratel

noun

ra·​tel ˈrä-tᵊl How to pronounce ratel (audio) ˈrā- How to pronounce ratel (audio)
: an African or Asian nocturnal omnivorous mammal (Mellivora capensis) of the weasel family that resembles a badger

Word History

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

Dictionary Entries Near ratel

rate-gene

ratel

ratemeter

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Cite this Entry

“Ratel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ratel. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ratel

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