Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of birds: Recurvirostra is the scientific genus name for a group of wading birds characterized by their distinctive long, slender, and notably upward-curving bills. This genus is the type genus for the family Recurvirostridae.

Usage Notes

• The word is a taxonomic term used primarily in scientific and ornithological contexts. It is not used in everyday conversation.
• As a genus name, it is always capitalized and italicized in formal writing.
• It functions as a singular noun when referring to the genus as a whole (e.g., " is fascinating.") and as a plural noun when referring to multiple birds of this genus (e.g., "Several were feeding.").

Examples

• The Recurvirostra genus includes species like the Pied Avocet and the American Avocet.
• Ornithologists study the feeding behavior of Recurvirostra.
• The key identifying feature of Recurvirostra is its recurved bill.

Advanced Usage

• The name is derived from Latin: meaning "bent back" or "curved upward" and meaning "bill" or "beak." This directly describes the bird's most prominent physical feature.

Variants and Related Words

• Recurvirostridae (noun): The biological family name that includes both avocets (genus ) and stilts (genus ).
• Avocet (noun): The common name for birds belonging to the genus .

Synonyms

• Avocet (common name)

Different Meanings

This word has only one specific meaning as a scientific genus name in zoology/ornithology. It does not have idiomatic meanings or phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. type genus of the Recurvirostridae: avocets