Auk: meaning, definitions and examples

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auk

 

[ ษ”หk ]

Noun
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.

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

Etymology

The word 'auk' has its origins in Old Norse, where it is believed to be derived from 'รกlk', which referred to several types of seabirds. The term went on to be adopted into Middle English as 'auc' or 'ake', referring to various bird species in the North Atlantic. Over time, the name became more specifically associated with the family Alcidae. The decline of certain auk species, particularly the great auk in the 19th century due to extensive hunting, led to more widespread attention and concern about the conservation of these birds. The fascination with auks has been documented in various historical texts, emphasizing both their ecological roles as fishers and their cultural significance in coastal communities.

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.