Bird: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'bird' comes from the Old English word 'brid,' which referred to a young bird.
• In various cultures, the term for bird often relates to words meaning 'to fly' or 'winged one.'
• Historically, 'bird' was used more broadly to include various small animals before narrowing down to the feathered species we know today.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, birds are symbols of freedom and hope, representing the human desire to rise above challenges.
• Birds feature prominently in many ancient mythologies, such as the Egyptian god Horus, who is depicted with a falcon head.
• The dove, a type of bird, is often seen as a symbol of peace in various religions and traditions.

Science

• Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates belonging to the class Aves, characterized by feathers and beaks.
• The heart of birds is specially adapted for flight, having a four-chambered structure that efficiently pumps oxygen-rich blood.
• Birds communicate through songs and calls, using specialized vocal organs called syrinxes located at the base of their trachea.

Pop Culture

• Birds are popular characters in cartoons and stories, such as Tweety Bird from Looney Tunes and Rio, the blue macaw.
• The phrase 'free as a bird' is commonly used to express the feeling of complete freedom and lack of responsibilities.
• Oscar-nominated film 'Birdman' explores themes of identity and fame through its title character, showing the deeper meanings birds can represent.

Ecology

• Birds play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystems, such as pollination and seed dispersal, which helps with plant growth.
• Many bird species are indicators of environmental health; their presence or absence can signal changes in ecosystems.
• Conservation efforts for endangered bird species have increased, highlighting their importance in biodiversity and the health of our planet.

At position #2,824, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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