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bittern1 definition

bit·tern (bit′ərn)

noun pl. bitterns -·terns or bittern -·tern

any of a subfamily (Botaurinae) of wading birds, including a genus (Botaurus) noted for the resounding, thumping call of the male

Etymology: 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

bittern2 definition

bit·tern (bit′ərn)

noun

the bitter liquid left after the crystallization of salt from brine

Etymology: prob. < dial. bittering < bitter + -ing

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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