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bittern
(bit′ərn)
any of a subfamily (Botaurinae) of wading birds, including a genus (Botaurus) noted for the resounding, thumping call of the male
Origin: ME bitor < OFr butor < VL *butitaurus < L butio, bittern (< echoic base *bu-) + taurus, small bird that imitates the lowing of oxen, lit., bull: see steer
noun
the bitter liquid left after the crystallization of salt from brine
Origin: prob. < dial. bittering < bitter + -ing
See bittern in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Any of several wading birds of the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus, having mottled brownish plumage and a deep booming cry in the male.
Origin:
Origin: Alteration (perhaps influenced by tern1)
Origin: of Middle English bitour
Origin: , from Old French butor
Origin: , possibly from Vulgar Latin *buti-taurus
Origin: : Latin būtiō, buzzard
Origin: + Latin taurus, bull (after its cry); see tauro- in Indo-European roots
.noun
The bitter water solution of bromides, magnesium, and calcium salts remaining after sodium chloride is crystallized out of seawater.
Origin:
Origin: From bitter
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