Definition

Noun: * A very large terrestrial Southeast Asian pheasant often raised as an ornamental bird: "Bird of Juno" is a poetic or common name for the peafowl, specifically the male (peacock) or female (peahen), known for its large size, striking iridescent plumage, and long, ornate tail coverts.

Usage Notes

• The term "bird of Juno" is an archaic or literary reference, derived from Roman mythology where the peacock was sacred to Juno, the queen of the gods. In modern English, the common terms are peafowl (for the species), peacock (male), and peahen (female).
• It is used to emphasize the bird's beauty, majesty, or mythological association, rather than in scientific or everyday contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The estate's gardens were graced by several magnificent birds of Juno, their tails shimmering in the sunlight.
  • In the tapestry, a bird of Juno was depicted beside the goddess, symbolizing her watchfulness and pride.

Advanced Usage

• As a symbolic or metaphorical reference: The term can be used in literature or descriptive writing to evoke classical imagery, royalty, vanity, or splendor.
  • He strutted about the room like a bird of Juno, proud of his new finery.

Variants and Related Words

• Peafowl (n): The standard term for the bird species .
• Peacock (n): Specifically the male peafowl.
• Peahen (n): Specifically the female peafowl.
• Peachick (n): A young peafowl.

Synonyms

• Peafowl: The direct and most common synonym.
• Peacock: A common synonym, though technically gender-specific.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "bird of Juno" has only one specific meaning, referring to the peafowl. It does not refer to other birds or have alternative modern definitions. Its usage is almost entirely allusive or decorative.

Noun

1. very large terrestrial southeast Asian pheasant often raised as an ornamental bird