Cormorant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cormorant

[หˆkษ”หrmษ™rษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bird species

The cormorant is a large seabird known for its distinctive appearance and fishing abilities. It has long necks, hooked beaks, and webbed feet, which make it an excellent hunter in the water. Cormorants are commonly found along coastlines and inland lakes and rivers. They often dive underwater to catch fish, using their powerful wings to propel themselves. This bird is known for its characteristic habit of spreading its wings to dry after diving.

Synonyms

sea crow, shag.

Examples of usage

  • The cormorant dived into the water.
  • I spotted a cormorant perched on a rock.
  • Cormorants often fish in the early morning.
  • The cormorant's feathers are not waterproof.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Habitat

  • Cormorants are found all over the world, from coastal regions to inland lakes, showing their adaptability.
  • These birds prefer areas with abundant fish, such as lakes and rivers, where they can dive for food.
  • Some species of cormorants are migratory, traveling long distances to find warmer waters in winter.

Behavior

  • Cormorants can dive up to 45 meters (148 feet) underwater to catch their prey, demonstrating their incredible swimming ability.
  • They often sit with their wings spread out to dry, as their feathers are not fully waterproof, a unique sight by water bodies.
  • These birds communicate using a variety of sounds, including croaks and honks, especially during breeding season.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, cormorants are symbols of resourcefulness and adaptability due to their fishing skills.
  • In ancient China, cormorants were trained by fishermen to catch fish, showcasing the birdโ€™s usefulness and intelligence.
  • The presence of cormorants in art and literature often signifies themes of nature and the wild, emphasizing their unique characteristics.

Conservation

  • Some cormorant species face threats from habitat loss and pollution, causing concern among conservationists.
  • Protection efforts include creating safe habitats and monitoring populations to ensure healthy ecosystems.
  • Despite conservation challenges, cormorants remain a key species for healthy aquatic environments, indicating water quality.

Origin of 'cormorant'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'cormorant' comes from the Latin 'corvus marinus', which means 'marine raven', highlighting its dark plumage.
  • In Middle English, it was called 'cormorant' or 'cormorant', reflecting its association with sea and fishing.
  • The word 'cormorant' has older roots connecting it to the idea of water, emphasizing its aquatic lifestyle.

The word 'cormorant' traces its origins to the Late Latin word 'cormorantem', which is the accusative singular form of 'cormorans'. This Late Latin term is believed to have evolved from the combination of the Latin words 'corvus' meaning 'raven' and 'marinus' meaning 'of the sea', effectively translating to 'sea raven'. The term found its way into Middle English as 'cormorant' during the 14th century. Over the centuries, the cormorant has held various significances in different cultures, often linked to fishing and water landscapes. In literature and folklore, the bird is sometimes portrayed as a trickster due to its cunning nature while hunting.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,204 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.