mink
/mɪŋk
/noun (plural same or minks)
1A small semiaquatic stoat-like carnivore native to North America and Eurasia. The American mink is widely farmed for its fur, resulting in it becoming naturalized in many parts of Europe.
- Genus Mustela, family Mustelidae: the American mink (M. vison) and the smaller European mink (M. lutreola).
- Fishers are among the least understood of the weasel family, or mustelids, which also includes martens, minks, ermines, ferrets, badgers, otters, and wolverines.
- The weasel family includes such colourful characters as otters, wolverines, skunks, minks and badgers.
1.1 [mass noun] The thick brown fur of the mink.Classic brown mink in NAFA Mahogany and Demi Buff were anything but traditional in their hip wrapped and belted silhouettes....
- Quite apart from the serious ethical questions surrounding the killing of animals for their fur, mink fell out of favour as it became associated with the vulgar side of wealth.
- Deep plum tones are etched in black while bleached ivory mink is laser cut with contrasting brown.
1.2A coat made of mink.Of course, the ultimate in vulgar glamour was sporting a full-length white mink....
- She had inherited Margot Grahame's mink, but the rest came from charity shops.
Origin
Late Middle English (denoting the animal's fur): from Swedish.