mongoose
UK[ˈmɒŋɡuːs]US[ˈmɑːŋɡuːs]
n
A small carnivorous mammal with a long body and tail, native to Africa and Asia, noted for its ability to kill venomous snakes.
Etymology
The word 'mongoose' entered English in the late 17th century, borrowed from the Marathi language of India, where it was 'mangūs'. This Marathi term is likely derived from a Dravidian source, such as the Telugu 'muṅgisa' or the Kannada 'muṅgisi'. There is no credible connection to the English word 'goose', despite the superficial similarity in spelling; this is a folk etymology. The word's journey reflects the colonial-era exchange of goods, ideas, and fauna between India and Britain, bringing the name of the animal along with the creature itself into the English lexicon.
Analysis
This word is a loanword from a non-European language and does not contain segmentable morphemes within the English spelling system. Its form is borrowed as a whole unit.
Examples
The mongoose is famous for its quick reflexes and immunity to snake venom.
We watched a mongoose dart across the road and into the undergrowth.
Introducing a mongoose to control rat populations can have unintended ecological consequences.