Fantail: meaning, definitions and examples

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fantail

 

[ หˆfรฆn.teษชl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

A fantail is a small bird that is known for its distinctively fan-shaped tail. These birds belong to the family Rhipiduridae and are typically found in forests and woodlands. They are characterized by their lively movements and playful behavior, often seen flitting about while capturing insects in mid-air. Fantails are known for their curious nature and can often be observed following hikers or animals, as they seek to catch disturbed insects.

Synonyms

Rhipidura, fan-tailed flycatcher.

Examples of usage

  • The fantail flitted from branch to branch.
  • We spotted a fantail during our hike in the woods.
  • The vibrant tail of the fantail caught the sunlight.
Context #2 | Noun

fish type

Fantail is also a term used to describe a type of goldfish known for its distinctive tail shape. These fish have a broad, rounded tail that spreads out like a fan, giving them a unique appearance. Fantail goldfish are popular in aquariums due to their picturesque look and gentle nature. They require proper care and a suitable environment to thrive.

Synonyms

fan-tail fish, goldfish type.

Examples of usage

  • The fantail goldfish swam gracefully in the tank.
  • I added a fantail to my aquarium collection.
  • The tail of the fantail fish fanned out beautifully.

Translations

Translations of the word "fantail" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pavรฃo-marinheiro

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคซเฅˆเค‚เคŸเฅ‡เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Fรคcherling

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ikan fantail

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั„ะฐะฝั‚ะฐะนะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ fantail

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ•ใ‚กใƒณใƒ†ใ‚คใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fantail

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ fantail

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท fantail

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŒฌํ…Œ์ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูุงู†ุชูŠู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fantail

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ fantail

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ‰‡ๅฐพ้ฑผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ fantail

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fanndรฝr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั„ะฐะฝั‚ะฐะนะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒคแƒแƒœแƒขแƒ”แƒ˜แƒš

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ fantail

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ fantail

Etymology

The term 'fantail' has its origins in the early 19th century and is derived from the combination of 'fan,' referring to the spread of the tail, and 'tail,' signifying its position on the bird or fish. The word 'fan' itself comes from the Old French word 'fane' and Latin word 'vannus', both meaning a tool used for winnowing grain and distributing air. As the term evolved, it started to be used more descriptively for certain birds and fish that exhibited a similar tail shape resembling a fan. In ornithology, the use of 'fantail' specifically began to take shape in the descriptions of various species belonging to the Rhipiduridae family, which showcased a broad, opened tail during mating displays and territorial behaviors. In ichthyology, the adjective refers to goldfish types that show similar tail patterns. This dual usage highlights the adaptability and descriptive nature of the English language, allowing for a shared terminology across different fields.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,235, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.