What languages does the word opossum come from?

The word "opossum" comes from the Algonquin language, specifically from the Virginia Algonquin dialect.

Here's how it evolved:

* Original Algonquin: *apassoum

* Early English: *apassou

* Modern English: opossum

The word likely referred to the Virginia opossum, which was the first species of opossum encountered by European settlers in North America.