moa
Definition
Noun: 1. An extinct, large, flightless bird native to New Zealand: A moa was a member of the order Dinornithiformes. These birds had no wings, were herbivorous, and ranged greatly in size. They became extinct several centuries ago, largely due to human activity.
Usage and Examples
- The moa was a dominant herbivore in New Zealand's forest ecosystems.
- Scientists study fossils to learn about the moa's biology and extinction.
- The largest species of moa could reach over three meters in height.
Advanced Usage
- "Like a moa": Used figuratively to describe something that is extinct, obsolete, or very large and unable to adapt.
- That old software is like a moa—completely extinct in the modern market.
Variants and Related Words
- Moas (plural noun): The standard plural form.
- The museum has a skeleton of one of the giant moas.
Synonyms
- Extinct ratite: A technical synonym, as moas belong to the ratite group of flightless birds.
- Dinornithiform: The formal taxonomic order name.
Different Meanings
This word has no other common meanings in modern English. It refers specifically to the extinct bird.
Noun
-
extinct flightless bird of New Zealand
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