ptarmigan

ptarmigan Definition

ptar·mi·gan (tär′mi gən)

noun pl. -·gans or -·gan

any of a genus (Lagopus) of brownish arctic, subarctic, or alpine grouse with feathered legs and feet, usually having white plumage in the winter

Etymology: altered (by assoc. with ptero-) < earlier termigan < Scot tarmachan

ptarmigan Usage Examples

Converse of object

hear: The statement that it may be possible to hear ptarmigan is ironic.
see: I saw a ptarmigan flash by, it's white body picked out against a black rock outcrop.

Adjective modifier

few: I had gone out one morning with my gun to procure a few fresh ptarmigan, accompanied by Big Otter.
first: Saw my first ptarmigan ( in flight ), millions of mountain hares, lots of grouse, and a few deer.

Modifies a noun

foot: Ptarmigan feet, beautifully adapted in order to cross deep snow, leave such clear prints that hunters can find the birds more easily.

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