Avian Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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avian

[ˈeɪ.vi.ən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bird species

Of or relating to birds.

Synonyms

bird-related.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
avian

Used in scientific or formal contexts when referring to anything related to birds.

  • The avian species in this region are extraordinarily diverse
  • The zoo's avian exhibit is particularly popular among visitors
bird-related

Used in general conversation or informal contexts to describe anything connected with birds.

  • I have a lot of bird-related stuff in my room, like posters and figurines
  • Her research focuses on bird-related diseases

Examples of usage

  • Avian species are known for their ability to fly.
  • Many avian species migrate during the winter months.
Context #2 | Noun

ornithology

A bird.

Synonyms

bird, fowl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
avian

This term is often used in scientific or academic contexts to describe anything related to birds.

  • The avian migration patterns are changing due to climate change
bird

This is the most common term and can be used in everyday conversation to describe any bird.

  • I saw a beautiful bird in the park today
fowl

This term is usually used to describe birds that are domesticated, especially for food.

  • The farm has chickens, ducks, and other fowl

Examples of usage

  • The avian perched on a branch.
  • The zoo had a diverse collection of avians.
Context #3 | Adjective

medical

Relating to or characteristic of birds.

Synonyms

bird-related.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
avian

This term is often used in scientific or formal contexts to describe things related to birds. It's commonly found in biology, zoology, and medical texts.

  • The avian flu is highly contagious among birds.
  • Researchers are studying avian migration patterns.
bird-related

This is a more general term and can be used in everyday conversation or informal writing to describe anything pertaining to birds.

  • She has a passion for bird-related crafts.
  • We have lots of bird-related decorations in our garden.

Examples of usage

  • The avian flu spread rapidly among the bird population.
  • The veterinarian treated the avian patients with care.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Biology

  • Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates with feathers, a key characteristic setting them apart from other animal groups.
  • There are approximately 10,000 known bird species worldwide, showcasing a vast diversity in size, shape, and habitat.
  • Birds display unique adaptations for flight, including hollow bones and specialized respiratory systems.

Cultural Significance

  • Birds often symbolize freedom and are featured in various cultures' folklore and art, representing human aspirations.
  • In many societies, the imagery of soaring birds appears in literature and poetry to illustrate themes of hope and transcendence.
  • The concept of 'avian' extends into popular sayings, like 'a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,' reflecting human relationships with these creatures.

Conservation

  • Many bird species are currently threatened or endangered due to habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.
  • Birdwatching has become a popular activity, encouraging people to appreciate and protect avian species.
  • Efforts like breeding programs and wildlife reserves help to conserve avian biodiversity.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Birds' by Alfred Hitchcock explore human fears and fascinations with birds.
  • Birds feature as mascots and characters in various media, such as Twitter's bluebird symbolizing communication.
  • Popular animated films often portray birds as relatable characters, like in 'Rio' and 'Happy Feet'.

Origin of 'avian'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'avian' comes from the Latin word 'avis', which means bird.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, primarily in scientific contexts.
  • Latin roots are common in scientific terminology to describe categories of animals.

The word 'avian' comes from the Latin word 'avis', which means bird. It has been used in English since the 19th century to describe anything related to birds or bird-like characteristics. Avian is commonly used in ornithology, medicine, and biology to refer to birds or bird-related matters.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,285, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.