Dictionary    Maps    Thesaurus    Translate    Advanced >   


Tip: Click Thesaurus above for synonyms. Also, follow synonym links within the dictionary to find definitions from other sources.

1. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tern \Tern\ (t[~e]rn), n. [Dan. terne, t[ae]rne; akin to Sw.
   t[aum]rna, Icel. [thorn]erna; cf. NL. sterna.] (Zool.)
   Any one of numerous species of long-winged aquatic birds,
   allied to the gulls, and belonging to Sterna and various
   allied genera.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: Terns differ from gulls chiefly in their graceful form,
         in their weaker and more slender bills and feet, and
         their longer and more pointed wings. The tail is
         usually forked. Most of the species are white with the
         back and wings pale gray, and often with a dark head.
         The common European tern (Sterna hirundo) is found
         also in Asia and America. Among other American species
         are the arctic tern (Sterna paradisaea), the roseate
         tern (Sterna Dougalli), the least tern (Sterna
         Antillarum), the royal tern (Sterna maxima), and the
         sooty tern (Sterna fuliginosa).
         [1913 Webster]

   Hooded tern. See Fairy bird, under Fairy.

   Marsh tern, any tern of the genus Hydrochelidon. They
      frequent marshes and rivers and feed largely upon insects.
      

   River tern, any tern belonging to Seena or allied genera
      which frequent rivers.

   Sea tern, any tern of the genus Thalasseus. Terns of this
      genus have very long, pointed wings, and chiefly frequent
      seas and the mouths of large rivers.
      [1913 Webster]

2. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Fairy \Fair"y\, a.
   1. Of or pertaining to fairies.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Given by fairies; as, fairy money. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   Fairy bird (Zool.), the Euoropean little tern (Sterna
      minuta); -- called also sea swallow, and hooded tern.
      

   Fairy bluebird. (Zool.) See under Bluebird.

   Fairy martin (Zool.), a European swallow (Hirrundo ariel)
      that builds flask-shaped nests of mud on overhanging
      cliffs.

   Fairy rings or Fairy circles, the circles formed in
      grassy lawns by certain fungi (as Marasmius Oreades),
      formerly supposed to be caused by fairies in their
      midnight dances; also, the mushrooms themselves. Such
      circles may have diameters larger than three meters.

   Fairy shrimp (Zool.), a European fresh-water phyllopod
      crustacean (Chirocephalus diaphanus); -- so called from
      its delicate colors, transparency, and graceful motions.
      The name is sometimes applied to similar American species.
      

   Fairy stone (Paleon.), an echinite.
      [1913 Webster]

Common Misspellings >
Most Popular Searches: Define Misanthrope, Define Pulchritudinous, Define Happy, Define Veracity, Define Cornucopia, Define Almuerzo, Define Atresic, Define URL, Definitions Of Words, Definition Of Get Up, Definition Of Quid Pro Quo, Definition Of Irreconcilable Differences, Definition Of Word, Synonyms of Repetitive, Synonym Dictionary, Synonym Antonyms. See our main index and map index for more details.

©2011-2024 ZebraWords.com - Define Yourself - The Search for Meanings and Meaning Means I Mean. All content subject to terms and conditions as set out here. Contact Us, peruse our Privacy Policy