1. Cat-like mammal typically secreting musk used in perfumes
   "The civet cat's musk glands have been exploited for centuries in the perfume industry";
   - civet
    
2. Raccoon-like omnivorous mammal of Mexico and the southwestern United States having a long bushy tail with black and white rings
   "The civet cat, also known as the ringtail, is often mistaken for a fox";
   - bassarisk, cacomistle, cacomixle, coon cat, raccoon fox, ringtail, ring-tailed cat, miner's cat, Bassariscus astutus

Derived forms: civet cats

Type of: procyonid, viverrine, viverrine mammal

Part of: Bassariscus, family Viverridae, family Viverrinae, genus Bassariscus, Viverridae, Viverrinae

Encyclopedia: Civet cat