Aepyornis

[ ee-pee-awr-nis ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an extinct genus of ratite birds, best known from the Pleistocene Epoch of Madagascar, having massive legs and rudimentary wings, and growing to a height of 8 feet (2.4 meters).

aepyornis

/ ˌiːpɪˈɔːnɪs /

any of the large extinct flightless birds of the genus Aepyornis, remains of which have been found in Madagascar

< New Latin (1850) < Greek aipý ( s ) steep, lofty, + órnīs bird

C19: New Latin, from Greek aipus high + ornis bird

Lastly must be noted the extinct tall Ratite species of Aepyornis with its several fancy genera.

Birds of medium size, not having the heavy and massive build of Aepyornis.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Browse