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Thrush Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thrush

[θrʌʃ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bird

A thrush is a small to medium-sized bird with a characteristic song, often found in woodlands and gardens.

Synonyms

nightingale, songbird, warbler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thrush

Thrush is often used to refer to any of the birds that belong to the Turdidae family, known for their melodious songs. They can be found in woodlands and gardens and are often mentioned in descriptions of nature.

  • I spotted a thrush perching on the branch, singing its beautiful tune.
  • The thrush in our backyard sings every morning.
songbird

Songbird is a general term for any bird that produces musical sounds, typically used when the specific type of bird is unknown or when referring to a variety of such birds.

  • The forest was alive with the songs of various songbirds.
  • She loved waking up to the sound of songbirds outside her window.
warbler

Warbler refers to any of the small, often colorful birds of the family Sylviidae, known for their warbling songs. They are commonly found in woodlands and are often used when discussing birdwatching or ornithology.

  • We saw a colorful warbler hopping from branch to branch.
  • The birder was thrilled to spot a rare warbler during his morning hike.
nightingale

Nightingale is specifically associated with a small, brown bird noted for its powerful and beautiful song, especially at night or very early morning. It often symbolizes love and poetry in literature.

  • The nightingale's song filled the evening air with enchanting melodies.
  • She compared his poetic verse to the song of a nightingale.

Examples of usage

  • The thrush sang a beautiful melody in the early morning.
  • I spotted a thrush building a nest in the tree outside my window.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A thrush is a fungal infection in the mouth and throat, characterized by white patches on the tongue and inside of the cheeks.

Synonyms

candidiasis, yeast infection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thrush

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a yeast infection in the mouth or throat. Can also refer to the same condition in birds.

  • The baby has thrush and needs to see a doctor
  • The veterinarian treated the bird for thrush
candidiasis

A medical term used by healthcare providers to describe fungal infections caused by Candida species, affecting various parts of the body.

  • The patient was diagnosed with candidiasis after showing symptoms of infection
  • Candidiasis can occur in the mouth, throat, or genitals
yeast infection

Commonly used term to describe fungal infections primarily of the genital area, but can also refer to similar infections elsewhere on the body.

  • She's experiencing discomfort due to a yeast infection
  • Over-the-counter treatments are available for yeast infections

Examples of usage

  • The baby had thrush, causing discomfort during feeding.
  • Antifungal medication is commonly used to treat thrush.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Birdwatching

  • Thrushes are popular among birdwatchers due to their melodious songs and often colorful plumage.
  • In many regions, the European Song Thrush is known for its unmatched ability to mimic the sounds of other birds.

Health

  • The term 'thrush' also refers to a fungal infection caused by yeast, which can affect various parts of the body, including the mouth and throat.
  • Oral thrush commonly affects babies and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature and folklore, thrushes are often symbols of hope and renewal due to their songs heralding the coming of spring.
  • The nightingale, though a different bird, is often compared to thrushes in poetry for their similar enchanting songs.

Conservation

  • Some species of thrush are considered endangered due to habitat loss and climate change, making conservation efforts crucial.
  • Bird conservation organizations focus on preserving habitats to protect thrush populations and their ecological roles.

Origin of 'thrush'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'thrysc', which means 'to drive' or 'to rush', hinting at the bird's energetic nature.
  • In Latin, the word 'turdus' is used for many thrush species, which may connect to ancient observations of their singing habits.

The word 'thrush' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'thrysce', meaning 'thrush'. It was used to describe the bird due to its characteristic song. The medical usage of 'thrush' to refer to a fungal infection dates back to the 17th century. The term was borrowed from Middle English 'throsshe', which also meant 'thrush'.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,460, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.