bittern

(bitərn)

noun pl. bitterns or bittern

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

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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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