Bittern: meaning, definitions and examples

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bittern

 

[ หˆbษชtษ™rn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird type

A bittern is a type of wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae, which also includes herons and egrets. They are known for their distinctive booming call during the breeding season, which can be heard over long distances. Bitterns are typically shy and secretive, often found in reeds and marshes, where their plumage provides excellent camouflage. They primarily feed on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, using their long necks to strike with precision. The Eurasian bittern (Botaurus stellaris) is one of the most well-known species, recognized for its mottled brown and tan feathers.

Synonyms

egret, heron, wader

Examples of usage

  • The bittern was spotted in the wetlands.
  • We heard the deep booming call of the male bittern.
  • Bitterns are masters of camouflage in their marshy habitat.

Translations

Translations of the word "bittern" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น garรงa-boieira

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคฟเคŸเคฐเฅเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Wasservogel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ burung bittern

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั–ั‚ั‚ะตั€ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ bฤ…k

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒจใ‚ทใ‚ดใ‚ค

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท butor

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ martinete

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท su kuลŸu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌผ๋‹ญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุจุท ุงู„ุจู†ูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ฤรกp

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bubenรญk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคœ้นญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bittern

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bittern

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะฐะทะดั‹ า›าฑั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ˜แƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bittern

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ martinete

Etymology

The word 'bittern' originates from the Late Latin 'botaurus,' which means 'bull' and is likely a reference to the loud, booming calls of the male bittern, similar to a bull's roar. This term was influenced by the Latin word 'botaurus' and the Italian 'bittore' or 'bittorella,' which also references a type of heron. The term has been used in English since the 14th century, reflecting the bird's presence in marshy areas across Europe and its significance in local biodiversity. Bitterns play an important role in their ecosystems, contributing to the balance of aquatic life by preying on various small animals. Their continued survival is now threatened by habitat loss due to wetland drainage and pollution, making conservation efforts critical.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,449 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.