ptarmigan Hear it!

ptarmigan definition

ptar·mi·gan (tär′mi gən)

noun pl. ptarmigans -·gans or ptarmigan -·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

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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