mandarin duck

Thân thiện

A mandarin duck swims peacefully on a small pond.

Definition

Noun: 1. A showy crested Asiatic duck; often domesticated: A species of perching duck (Aix galericulata) native to East Asia, known for the male's exceptionally colorful and ornate plumage, particularly during breeding season. The species is frequently kept in ornamental waterfowl collections.

Usage Examples

• The mandarin duck is widely regarded as one of the world's most beautiful waterfowl.
• A pair of mandarin ducks swam serenely on the pond in the park.
• In Chinese culture, the mandarin duck is a traditional symbol of love and fidelity.

Advanced Usage

• Symbolic Use: The term is often used symbolically in art and literature to represent marital bliss, partnership, and lasting affection, drawing from its observed behavior of forming strong pair bonds.
  • The painting featured mandarin ducks to symbolize a happy and enduring marriage.

Variants and Related Words

• Mandarin (noun, separate word): Historically, a high-ranking bureaucrat in imperial China. The duck's name is derived from the similar perceived elegance and ornate appearance of these officials' robes.
• Wood Duck (noun): The North American species () that is the mandarin duck's closest relative, also known for the male's colorful iridescent plumage.

Synonyms

• Aix galericulata (scientific name)
• Chinese duck (less common, contextual)

Related Phrases

• A pair of mandarin ducks: This specific phrase is commonly used to directly reference the symbol of a devoted couple.
  • They were like a pair of mandarin ducks, always together.

Học thuật

Noun

1. showy crested Asiatic duck; often domesticated

Từ đồng nghĩa

• aix galericulata