beak
noun
- a bird's bill, esp. the large, sharp, horny bill of a bird of prey
- a beaklike part or thing, as the protruding mouthpart of various insects, fishes, etc., or the spout of a pitcher
- the metal-covered ram projecting from the prow of an ancient warship
- Slang the nose, esp. if large and hooked
- Archit. the outward-sloping upper surface of the drip of a cornice, by which water is directed away from the wall beneath
See beak in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(bēk)
nouna. The horny, projecting structure forming the mandibles of a bird, especially one that is strong, sharp, and useful in striking and tearing; a bill.
b. A similar structure in other animals, such as turtles, insects, or fish.
- A usually firm, tapering tip on certain plant structures, such as some seeds and fruits.
- A beaklike structure or part, as:
a. The spout of a pitcher.
b. A metal or metal-clad ram projecting from the bow of an ancient warship.
- Informal The human nose.
- Chiefly British Slang
a. A schoolmaster.
b. A judge.
Related Forms:
- beaked beaked (bēkt) adjective
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beak
top to bottom: black skimmer, male pileated woodpecker, and male American goldfinch
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