View synonyms for cormorant

cormorant

[ kawr-mer-uhnt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

any of several voracious, totipalmate seabirds of the family Phalacrocoracidae, as Phalacrocorax carbo, of America, Europe, and Asia, having a long neck and a distensible pouch under the bill for holding captured fish, used in China for catching fish.
a greedy person.

cormorant

/ ˈkɔːmərənt /

noun

any aquatic bird of the family Phalacrocoracidae, of coastal and inland waters, having a dark plumage, a long neck and body, and a slender hooked beak: order Pelecaniformes (pelicans, etc)

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cormorant¹

1300–50; Middle English cormera ( u ) nt < Middle French cormorant, Old French cormareng < Late Latin corvus marīnus sea-raven. See corbel, marine

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cormorant¹

C13: from Old French cormareng, from corp raven, from Latin corvus + -mareng of the sea, from Latin mare sea

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Example Sentences

Most of the Cormorant's time is spent in fishing, for he lives entirely on fish, and catches immense numbers of them.

From Project Gutenberg

This habit seems to show that the Cormorant uses his wings, as well as his feet, in his frequent journeys under water.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes the Cormorant swims slowly along with his head under water, on the watch for small fish.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cormorant could not perform this feat, but his throat will stretch so as to allow the passage of large fish.

From Project Gutenberg

In some countries there is a price on his head--that is, so much money is given for every Cormorant killed.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

cormophyte corn

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