Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large, long-tailed, often brightly colored parrot native to Central and South America: An "ara" is a type of macaw, a bird known for its intelligence, loud calls, and vibrant plumage.
   • A small southern constellation (the Altar): In astronomy, "Ara" is the name of a constellation located in the southern celestial hemisphere.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Bird):

  • The scarlet ara is one of the most recognizable parrots in the world.
  • We heard the loud squawk of an ara flying through the rainforest canopy.

• Noun (Constellation):

  • The constellation Ara is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Ara lies between the constellations of Scorpius and Triangulum Australe.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Formal Context: The term "ara" is often used in scientific or zoological contexts to refer specifically to birds of the genus within the parrot family.
  • The study focused on the feeding habits of the genus Ara.

Variants and Related Words

• Macaw (n): The more common general term for birds of the genus and related genera.
  • The blue-and-gold macaw is a popular pet bird.
• Ara ara (interjection): A Japanese expression of surprise or mild scolding, unrelated to the English noun but a notable homophone.

Synonyms

• Macaw: The primary synonym for the bird meaning.
• Parrot: A broader term that includes macaws/aras among many other species.

Notes on Meaning

• The two meanings (bird and constellation) are distinct and unrelated in etymology. The constellation's name is Latin for "altar."
• In everyday English, "macaw" is significantly more common than "ara" for referring to the bird. "Ara" is primarily used in technical or taxonomic contexts.

Noun

1. macaws
2. a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma