passerine
|pas-ser-ine|
🇺🇸
/ˈpæsəˌraɪn/
🇬🇧
/ˈpæsəˌriːn/
perching bird
Etymology
'passerine' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'passer,' meaning 'sparrow.'
'passer' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'passerinus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'passerine.'
Initially, it meant 'sparrow-like,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to perching birds.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a bird of the order Passeriformes, which includes more than half of all bird species, characterized by their perching habit.
The sparrow is a common passerine found in many parts of the world.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to or denoting passerine birds.
Passerine birds are known for their vocal abilities.
Last updated: 2025/02/27 11:06