sun bittern

sun bittern
Bittern Bit"tern, n. [OE. bitoure, betore, bitter, fr. F. butor; of unknown origin.] (Zo["o]l.) A wading bird of the genus {Botaurus}, allied to the herons, of various species. [1913 Webster]

Note: The common European bittern is {Botaurus stellaris}. It makes, during the brooding season, a noise called by Dryden bumping, and by Goldsmith booming. The American bittern is {Botaurus lentiginosus}, and is also called {stake-driver} and {meadow hen}. See {Stake-driver}. [1913 Webster]

Note: The name is applied to other related birds, as the {least bittern} ({Ardetta exilis}), and the {sun bittern}. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Sun bittern — Sun Sun, n. [OE. sunne, sonne, AS. sunne; akin to OFries. sunne, D. zon, OS. & OHG. sunna, G. sonne, Icel. sunna, Goth. sunna; perh. fr. same root as L. sol. [root]297. Cf. {Solar}, {South}.] 1. The luminous orb, the light of which constitutes… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • sun bittern — n. a tropical American wading bird (Eurypyga helias) of a gruiform family (Eurypygidae) having only one species, with a slim body and long neck …   English World dictionary

  • sun bittern — noun : sun grebe * * * a graceful South American wading bird, Eurypyga helias, related to the cranes and rails, having variegated plumage. [1865 70] * * * sun bittern noun A S American wading bird (Eurypyga helias) with brilliant many coloured… …   Useful english dictionary

  • sun bittern — a graceful South American wading bird, Eurypyga helias, related to the cranes and rails, having variegated plumage. [1865 70] * * * ▪ bird  (species Eurypyga helias), slender bird of tropical America, the sole member of the family Eurypygidae… …   Universalium

  • sun bittern — sun′ bit tern n. orn a graceful Neotropical wading bird, Eurypyga helias, related to the cranes and rails, having variegated plumage that produces a sunburst effect when spread in display • Etymology: 1865–70 …   From formal English to slang

  • sun bittern — /ˈsʌn bɪtn/ (say sun bitn) noun a South American bird, Eurypyga helias, with variegated plumage, superficially resembling a bittern, but allied to the rails …  

  • sun bittern — n. tropical American wading bird with mottled brownish plumage that show chestnut markings like a sunburst when its wings are spread …   English contemporary dictionary

  • Sun — Sun, n. [OE. sunne, sonne, AS. sunne; akin to OFries. sunne, D. zon, OS. & OHG. sunna, G. sonne, Icel. sunna, Goth. sunna; perh. fr. same root as L. sol. [root]297. Cf. {Solar}, {South}.] 1. The luminous orb, the light of which constitutes day,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Sun and planet wheels — Sun Sun, n. [OE. sunne, sonne, AS. sunne; akin to OFries. sunne, D. zon, OS. & OHG. sunna, G. sonne, Icel. sunna, Goth. sunna; perh. fr. same root as L. sol. [root]297. Cf. {Solar}, {South}.] 1. The luminous orb, the light of which constitutes… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Sun angel — Sun Sun, n. [OE. sunne, sonne, AS. sunne; akin to OFries. sunne, D. zon, OS. & OHG. sunna, G. sonne, Icel. sunna, Goth. sunna; perh. fr. same root as L. sol. [root]297. Cf. {Solar}, {South}.] 1. The luminous orb, the light of which constitutes… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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