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nightingale

nightingale definition

night·in·gale (nīt′'n gāl′)

noun

any of various small European thrushes (genus Luscinia) with a russet back and buff to white underparts: the male is known for its varied, melodious singing, esp. at night during the breeding season

Etymology: ME nigtingale, for earlier nihtegale < OE (akin to Ger nachtigall) < niht, night + base of galan, to sing, akin to giellan, yell

Nightingale definition

Night·in·gale (nīt′'n gāl′)

Nightingale, Florence 1820-1910; Eng. nurse in the Crimean War: regarded as the founder of modern nursing

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