Mongoose - Name

Name

The word mongoose is derived from the Marathi name mungus (मुंगूस) (pronounced as ), perhaps ultimately from Dravidian (cf. Telugu mungeesa (ముంగిస), Kannada mungisi (ಮುಂಗಿಸಿ)). The form of the English name (since 1698) was altered to its -goose ending by folk-etymology. It has no etymological connection with the word goose. The plural form is mongooses, or, rarely, mongeese. It has also been spelled mungoose.

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Famous quotes containing the word name:

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