marabou
/'mærəbu:/
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of large African stork: A very large wading bird native to Africa, characterized by black and white plumage, a bare head and neck, and a massive bill. It is a scavenger that feeds primarily on carrion.
- The soft down feathers of this stork: The soft, white underwing feathers of the marabou stork, historically used as trimming for garments, hats, and other decorative items.
Examples
- Noun (Bird):
- We saw a marabou stork standing by the riverbank.
- Marabous are often seen near landfills, feeding on waste.
- Noun (Feathers):
- The vintage hat was adorned with marabou.
- She wore a boa made of dyed marabou.
Advanced Usage
- "Marabou stork": The full, most common name for the bird species ().
- The marabou stork is sometimes called the "undertaker bird" due to its appearance.
- Used attributively (as an adjective) to describe items made from or resembling the feathers.
- She bought a marabou trim for her evening gown.
Variants and Related Words
- Marabout: While pronounced similarly, this is a distinct word referring to a Muslim hermit or saint, especially in North Africa. Do not confuse with marabou.
- Marabou feather: A specific term for the decorative plume.
Synonyms
- Carrion stork: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its diet.
- Undertaker bird: An informal name due to its somber appearance.
- Down: A general term for soft feathers, but not specific to the marabou.
Notes on Meaning
The word marabou has two closely related primary meanings: the bird itself and the valuable decorative feathers obtained from it. The use of the feathers in fashion has declined due to conservation efforts and changing styles, but the bird remains a notable part of the African ecosystem.
Noun
-
the downy feathers of marabou storks are used for trimming garments
-
large African black-and-white carrion-eating stork; its downy underwing feathers are used to trim garments
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