Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of sea duck: "eider duck" refers specifically to a species of large sea duck found primarily in the northern hemisphere.
   • Valued for its down: The term is strongly associated with the fine, soft down (feathers) from the female bird, which is highly prized for its insulating properties.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The eider duck is well-adapted to cold coastal waters.
  • Eider down, collected from the nests of the eider duck, is used in luxury bedding.

Advanced Usage

• "Common eider": The most widespread species, often referred to simply as "eider."
  • The common eider (Somateria mollissima) is frequently seen along these shores.

Variants and Related Words

• Eider (n): A common shortened form of "eider duck."
  • We spotted several eiders on the rocky coast.
• Eiderdown (n): The soft down of the eider duck, or a quilt stuffed with this material.
  • She wrapped herself in an eiderdown comforter.

Synonyms

• Sea duck: A general term for ducks that inhabit marine environments.
• Eider (as a shortened form).

Related Phrases

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs or idioms.)

Noun

1. duck of the northern hemisphere much valued for the fine soft down of the females