Shearwater: meaning, definitions and examples

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shearwater

 

[ ˈʃɪrˌwɔːtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

Shearwaters are large seabirds belonging to the family Procellariidae. They are known for their long wings and ability to glide over the ocean. These birds are found in both temperate and tropical waters and are excellent fliers, often covering vast distances at sea.

Synonyms

albatross, gull, seabird

Examples of usage

  • The shearwater was spotted gliding over the waves.
  • Shearwaters are known for their migratory patterns.
  • Many tourists enjoyed watching shearwaters during their coastal trip.

Word origin

The word 'shearwater' originates from the combination of 'shear', which signifies to cut or glide swiftly through, and 'water', referring to its oceanic habitat. The term dates back to the early 18th century. Shearwaters are so named due to their remarkable ability to skim over the water's surface, creating a shearing effect with their wings as they hunt for fish and other marine life. This behavior is primarily seen in their feeding habits, where they utilize wind currents to glide effortlessly across the sea. As members of the Procellariidae family, shearwaters have a wide distribution and are known for their long-distance migrations, often traveling thousands of miles between breeding and feeding sites.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,643, 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.