Auk: meaning, definitions and examples

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auk

 

[ษ”หk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bird species

The auk is a type of seabird found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. They belong to the family Alcidae and include species such as the common guillemot and the razorbill. Auks are known for their distinct black and white plumage and their ability to dive underwater to catch fish. Unfortunately, some of these species have faced threats due to overfishing and climate change, leading to a decline in their populations.

Synonyms

guillemot, puffin, seabird.

Examples of usage

  • The razorbill is a species of auk that breeds on rocky cliffs.
  • Auks are excellent divers and can reach depths of up to 100 meters.
  • In the past, auks were hunted for their feathers and meat.
  • The endangered great auk was once a popular bird for collectors.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'auk' comes from Old Norse, specifically from 'รกlkr', which referred to seabirds.
  • In English, the term has been used since the 16th century to describe different types of seabirds.

Conservation

  • Some species of auks, like the great auk, went extinct in the mid-1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss.
  • Efforts are ongoing to protect remaining auk populations, particularly in sensitive marine environments.

Habitat

  • Auks are primarily found in the North Atlantic region, often nesting on rocky cliffs along the ocean.
  • They thrive in cold waters and are highly adapted to life on the sea, with streamlined bodies for swimming.

Behavior

  • Auks are excellent divers, capable of diving to depths of over 100 meters to catch fish.
  • They often gather in large colonies, especially during breeding season, which helps protect them from predators.

Cultural Significance

  • Auks have appeared in various folklore, showcasing their unique characteristics in different cultures.
  • Illustrations of auks have been used in art and literature, often representing the harsh realities of marine life.

Translations

Translations of the word "auk" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น auk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‘เค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Auk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ auk

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ auk

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ auk

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ขใ‚ฆใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท auk

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ auk

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท auk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•„์šฐํฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃูˆูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ auk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ auk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตท้ธŸ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ auk

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ auk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐัƒะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒฃแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ auk

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ auk

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,674, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.