Definition

1. Noun:

   • The fleshy, waxy covering at the base of the upper beak of some birds: A cere is a soft, often brightly colored, wax-like skin that covers the base of the beak in certain bird species, such as parrots, pigeons, and birds of prey. It contains the nostrils.

2. Verb:

   • To wrap up in a cerecloth: To cere means to wrap or dress a corpse in a cerecloth, a waxed cloth used for burial in former times. This usage is now archaic.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The veterinarian examined the bird's cere for signs of infection.
  • A healthy cere in a budgerigar should be smooth and free of crust.
• Verb (archaic):
  • In the 18th century, it was customary to cere important corpses before burial.

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive Zoology: In ornithology, the condition of the cere (e.g., its color, texture) is often an indicator of a bird's health, age, or sex.
  • The male parakeet can be identified by its blue cere, while the female's is brown.

Variants and Related Words

• Cerecloth (n): A wax-coated cloth, historically used for wrapping dead bodies.
• Cerement (n): A synonym for cerecloth; a burial shroud.

Synonyms

• Noun (Zoology): Nasal operculum (technical term).
• Verb (Archaic): Enshroud, swathe.

Related Phrases

• "To examine the cere": A common phrase in avian veterinary care and bird-keeping.
  • Always examine the cere when checking a bird's overall health.

Noun

1. the fleshy, waxy covering at the base of the upper beak of some birds

Verb

1. wrap up in a cerecloth
   • cere a corpse