bittern Hear it!

bittern¹ Definition

bit·tern (bit′ərn)

noun pl. -·terns or -·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

bittern Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • winter: The significance of Fen Drayton Nature Reserve for its wintering bittern is not recognized in the Environmental Statement.
  • include: During the last twelve months, 132 species have been recorded, including rare bitterns.
  • breed: It is hoped that once completed these new reeds along with the existing ones will prove suitable for breeding bitterns.
  • see: Actually I've yet to see a live bittern.
  • have: The large lake has 200 booming Bitterns in a fringe of reed 400m wide and 7km long.

Preposition: on

  • site: There are at least three bitterns on site with one between Scott and Makepeace hides providing particularly good views.

Adjective modifier

  • booming: We took heart from a nearby booming Bittern whilst we slept in the car for a couple of hours.
  • little: From my early cruising, I feel little bitterns have got used to boats and don't fly out so often now.
  • rare: During the last twelve months, 132 species have been recorded, including rare bitterns.
  • male: The call of the male bittern is known in Modern English as a boom.
  • first: Robin has promised a drink of your choice for the first bittern sighting, so I'll be watching.
  • great: There are also Little and Great Bitterns here, together with breeding marsh terns.

Modifies a noun

  • population: The Lee Valley supports 6 % of Britain's wintering bittern population.
  • watchpoint: Venue: At the bittern watchpoint, on 70 Acres Lake in the Lee Valley.