Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large Australian swan with black plumage and a red bill: A specific species of swan (Cygnus atratus) native to Australia, characterized by its entirely black feathers and a bright red bill.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • We saw a black swan gliding across the lake in the botanical gardens.
  • The black swan is an iconic bird of Australia.

Advanced Usage

• "Black swan event": A metaphor, derived from the historical surprise of discovering black swans, for an extremely rare, unpredictable event with severe consequences. (Note: This is an idiomatic extension, not the primary biological definition of the bird itself).
  • The global financial crisis was considered a black swan event by many economists.

Variants and Related Words

• Swan (n): A large waterbird with a long neck and typically white plumage.
• Black-necked swan (n): A different species of swan with a black neck.

Synonyms

• Cygnus atratus: The scientific name for the black swan.

Related Idioms

• "A black swan": Used metaphorically to denote a rare or unforeseen occurrence.
  • The discovery of life on another planet would be a true black swan.

Noun

1. large Australian swan having black plumage and a red bill