n omnivorous opossum of the eastern United States; noted for feigning death when in danger; esteemed as food in some areas; considered same species as the crab-eating opossum of South America
Syn|Hyper
Didelphis virginiana, common opossum
opossum, possum
nocturnal arboreal marsupial having a naked prehensile tail found from southern North America to northern South America