The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
n. A small, burrowing, carnivorous mammal (Suricata suricatta) of southern Africa, related to the mongoose and having grayish fur and a long tail, which it uses for balance when it stands on its hind legs. Also called meerkat, sticktail.
n. An animal of the genus Suricata, S. zenik or S. tetradactyla, inhabiting South Africa, where it is known to the Dutch colonists as the meerkat; a zenick.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. burrowing diurnal meerkat of southern Africa; often kept as a pet