1. a small carnivorous mammal with a long body and tail, found in Africa and Asia, that produces a musky secretion used in perfumes
2. the musky secretion from a civet, used in making perfumes

Examples

• The civet is native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia.
• Civets are nocturnal animals that hunt for insects and small prey.
• The perfume industry once relied heavily on natural civet for its distinctive scent.
• Modern perfumes typically use synthetic alternatives to civet.
• A civet was spotted climbing through the trees in the nature reserve.
• The civet’s long tail helps it balance while moving through branches.