Ratels

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of honey badger known for its fearless behavior and immune resistance to snake venom; a mammal recognized for its thick skin and potent fighting abilities; an animal native to Africa and Asia, celebrated for its tenacity when confronted with threats
2. This creature is famed for its boldness and lethality, often preying on venomous snakes while having tough fur and skin; it is distinguished in various habitats across its native regions; it exhibits aggressive behavior when threatened or cornered
3. Renowned for its fighting spirit, this honey badger has a unique immune system that protects against snake venom; it possesses robust physique traits that enable it to tackle dangerous predators; this species is a notable survivalist in its natural environments

Etymology: "Ratels" is the plural of "ratel," the name for the honey badger, a stocky, thick-skinned mustelid of Africa and parts of Asia. The word comes from Afrikaans, where "ratel" is the name of the same animal, and English borrowed it for the species. Its fearless reputation, which the plural form here echoes, is a matter of the animal's behavior rather than of the word's history: the name itself simply describes the creature.

Synonyms: honey badgers