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starling definition

star·ling (stär′liŋ)

noun

any of an Old World family (Sturnidae) of dark-colored passerine birds with a short tail, long wings, and a sharp, pointed bill; esp., the common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) with iridescent plumage, introduced into the U.S., where it is now often a pest

Etymology: ME < OE stærlinc, dim. of stær, starling < IE *stor(n)os, starling, bird with similar cry > L sturnus

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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