mink

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a small, dark-furred semiaquatic carnivorous mammal related to weasels

   A mink slipped from the reeds and swam across the narrow channel.

2. 2
   noun

   the soft, glossy fur of a mink, especially when used for clothing

   The vintage coat was trimmed with mink around the collar.

From late Middle English mynk, apparently borrowed from Swedish mink or a related Scandinavian form for the animal. The ultimate origin is uncertain. English first used the word for the animal and its pelt, then by metonymy for garments made from the fur.

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