What is the root word meaning of possum?

The root word meaning of "possum" is actually a bit tricky! It comes from the Powhatan language, spoken by indigenous people in Virginia and surrounding areas.

The word "possom" in Powhatan is thought to have meant "white". This makes sense because the Virginia opossum, which is the animal we call a "possum", has a whitish face.

However, the word "possum" itself isn't actually a Powhatan word. It's a corrupted form of the Powhatan word "apassoum", which is how the animal was first described by English settlers in Virginia.

So, while the direct root meaning of "possum" is unclear, it stems from the Powhatan word for "white", likely referencing the opossum's facial features.