Petrel: meaning, definitions and examples

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petrel

 

[ หˆpษ›t.rษ™l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird type

A petrel is a seabird belonging to the family Procellariidae, which is known for its ability to glide over the ocean's surface. These birds are often found in open oceanic environments and are characterized by their long wings and short legs. Petrels are excellent flyers and can travel long distances while searching for food, typically fish or squid, which they catch by diving or skimming the water. The name 'petrel' is thought to be derived from the word 'Peter', due to their resemblance to St. Peter walking on water in some folklore.

Synonyms

Procellariidae, seabird.

Examples of usage

  • The petrel soared gracefully above the waves.
  • Petrels are often seen during oceanographic research expeditions.
  • Many petrels breed on remote islands.
  • The sighting of a petrel can indicate a healthy marine ecosystem.

Translations

Translations of the word "petrel" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น petrel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ‡เคŸเฅเคฐเฅ‡เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sturmvogel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ petrel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะตั‚ั€ะตะป

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ petrel

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒšใƒˆใƒฌใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pรฉtrel

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ pรกjaros de mar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท petrel

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํŽซ๋ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุชุฑู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ buล™ลˆรกk

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ buล™ลˆรกk

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตท็‡•

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ petrel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fรฝll

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐะปั‹า›ัˆั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒ–แƒฆแƒ•แƒแƒ แƒคแƒ แƒ˜แƒœแƒ•แƒ”แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dษ™niz quลŸu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ pรกjaros de mar

Etymology

The term 'petrel' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the Middle English word 'peterel', which itself came from 'Peter' as a reference to St. Peter. This connection stems from stories that likened the bird's ability to walk on the water to St. Peter's biblical ability. The birds are part of the Procellariidae family, which includes various species that are typically characterized by their tube-like nostrils and exceptional flying abilities. Historically, petrels were known to sailors and fishermen due to their presence in oceanic regions, where they were seen as indicators of good fishing grounds. As seabirds, they have captured human interest for centuries, with many cultures associating them with myths and legends related to the sea.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,891 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.