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Question by  Constance (11)

What is the proper spelling: opossum or possum?

I've seen it both ways.

 
+7

Answer by  jsmith (2067)

The formal name of the animal is opossum. Using the term possum is a common colloquialism in American English, and is accepted as a proper spelling, in the sense that a nickname would still be considered proper spelling. Apparently the name opossum comes from a Native American word that roughly translates to "white dog."

 
+6

Answer by  nuttree (1596)

The proper name for the American marsupial is "opossum." These animals are often called "possums," but that is just a shortened colloquial form of the proper name. However, there is also an Australian marsupial whose proper name is "possum." The possum resembles the opossum, but it is biologically distinct.

 
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