ptarmigan Hear it!

ptarmigan Definition

ptar·mi·gan (tärmi 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.

Browse dictionary entries near ptarmigan

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  6. psyllium
  7. psylla
  8. psychrophilic
  9. psychrometer
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  1. PTE
  2. pteranodon
  3. pteridology
  4. pteridophyte
  5. pteridosperm
  6. ptero-
  7. pterodactyl
  8. pteroic acid
  9. pteropod
  10. pterosaur