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ptarmigan

(tär′mi gən)

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

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

See ptarmigan in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ptarmigan ptarmigan or ptar·mi·gans

Any of various grouses of the genus Lagopus, inhabiting arctic, subarctic, and alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere and having feathered legs and feet and plumage that is brown or gray in summer and white in winter.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration (influenced by the spelling pt in Greek words like pteron, wing)

Origin: of Scottish Gaelic tarmachan

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