Meaning of least weasel | Babel Free

Definitions

The common weasel, little weasel, or simply weasel (Mustela nivalis), the smallest member of the weasel genus Mustela, native to Eurasia, North America, and North Africa.

Equivalents

Examples

“The range of the Least Weasel extends entirely across the continent on this hemisphere; but its north and south dispersion are less definite, in the present state of our knowledge.”

“Two other interesting animals may have lived in that tree, the least weasel and his sanguinary cousin the ermine, or large weasel. Both are brown, after the snow finally disappears, and both turn white with the first snow-storm.”

“The least weasels are also circumpolar in distribution, but are limited to the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. [...] Least weasels are characterized by the same swift alertness and boldness so marked in the larger species. In fact they are, if possible, even quicker in their movements.”

“The least weasel is active both summer and winter, and although primarily nocturnal, it frequently hunts in the daytime. It neither hibernates nor migrates, though it may move from area to area to find available food.”

“[S]he had hoped against hope that he would be a least weasel—smallest of all carnivores. She had never seen one. The least weasel diets almost exclusively on tiny, selected mice.”

“Ounce for ounce, few creatures who hunt can match the relentless little least weasel. Driven by hunger and nervous energy, this tiny bundle of muscle and nerves is an efficient killer. [...] The least weasel can't squirt its foul fume like a skunk, but it can raise a pretty good stink. In summer, the male wears a coat which a chocolate brown top and white belly. In winter, the entire coat becomes white to match the snow.”

“Least weasels kill prey much larger than themselves. [...] Least weasels kill small prey, such as voles, with a bite to the skull's occipital region or neck to disarticulate cervical vertebrae. [...] Least weasels do not dig dens, but nests^([sic – meaning nest]) in abandoned burrows of other species, such as moles or rats, in crevices among tree roots, hollow logs, or stone walls.”

CEFR level