Canary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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canary
[kษหnษri ]
Definitions
bird type
A canary is a small songbird known for its vibrant yellow color and melodious singing. They are often kept as pets and are particularly popular in households for their cheerful sounds.
Synonyms
canary bird, serin, songbird, yellow bird.
Examples of usage
- She has a beautiful canary that sings every morning.
- Canaries are often used in cages for decoration.
- The pet shop has a selection of canaries for sale.
mining term
Historically, canaries were used in coal mines as a warning system. Miners would bring a canary into the mine with them; if the bird showed signs of distress or died, it indicated dangerous levels of toxic gases.
Synonyms
safety animal, warning indicator.
Examples of usage
- In the past, canaries were vital for miners' safety.
- The canary in the coal mine serves as a warning.
- They used a canary to detect gas leaks.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- In the 18th century, canaries were popular pets among European nobility, valued for their singing abilities.
- Miners used to take canaries underground as a warning system; if the canary became sick or died, it indicated dangerous gas levels.
Pop Culture
- Canaries have appeared in various cartoons and media, often depicted as cheerful characters like Tweety Bird.
- The phrase 'canary in a coal mine' has entered common language, symbolizing a warning sign of trouble.
Science
- Canaries are part of the finch family and can learn to mimic human sounds and even song melodies.
- The presence of a canary can increase the overall mood in a home due to their cheerful nature and bright colors.
Care and Breeding
- Canaries require a spacious cage and enjoy plenty of time out of it for exercise and social interaction.
- Breeding canaries involves selecting for color and song, creating beautiful and melodious variations.
Origin of 'canary'
Main points about word origin
- The name 'canary' comes from the Canary Islands, where these birds were first found and bred.
- Originally, the birds were called 'canary finches' due to their close relation to finches.
The word 'canary' comes from the Latin term 'canaria avis', which means 'dog island bird', referring to the Canary Islands, where these birds were first domesticated. The islands were named after the Latin word 'canis', meaning dog, due to the large population of dogs found there. Canaries became popular pets in the 17th century, and their breeding led to various color mutations. The bright yellow canary we recognize today became especially favored due to its beautiful song and appearance. Over the years, canaries have also been associated with mining, as these birds were utilized to detect toxic gases. The practice of using canaries as safety indicators in coal mining highlighted their importance in both domesticated and industrial contexts.