raccoon
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ɹæˈkun// UK //ɹækˈuːn// rac·coon
n. a medium-sized animal from North America with gray fur, a long tail with black rings, and black fur around its eyes that looks like a mask.
n. a nocturnal, omnivorous mammal of the genus Procyon, native to North America and characterized by a ringed tail and a black mask-like facial pattern.
A raccoon climbed into the garden last night.
The local residents had to buy heavy-duty trash cans to stop the raccoons from scattering garbage across the street.
Known for their dexterity and problem-solving abilities, raccoons have successfully adapted to urban environments by exploiting human food sources and finding shelter in residential structures.
From arocoun (1608), from Powhatan ärähkun, from ärähkuněm (“he scratches with his hands”).