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ratite
[ rat-ahyt ]
adjective
- having a flat, unkeeled sternum, as an ostrich, cassowary, emu, or moa.
noun
- a bird having a ratite breastbone.
ratite
/ ˈrætaɪt /
adjective
- (of flightless birds) having a breastbone that lacks a keel for the attachment of flight muscles
- of or denoting the flightless birds, formerly classified as a group (the Ratitae ), that have a flat breastbone, feathers lacking vanes, and reduced wings
noun
- a bird, such as an ostrich, kiwi, or rhea, that belongs to this group; a flightless bird
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Word History and Origins
Origin of ratite1
C19: from Latin ratis raft
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Example Sentences
Like other Ratite birds it will take to the water, and examples have been seen voluntarily swimming a wide river.
From Project Gutenberg
Lastly must be noted the extinct tall Ratite species of Aepyornis with its several fancy genera.
From Project Gutenberg
The arrangement bears a great resemblance to that of Ratite birds.
From Project Gutenberg
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