Definition

Noun: 1. A crested, foul-smelling South American bird whose young have claws on the first and second digits of the wings: This is the primary definition, referring to a specific species of bird known for its distinctive odor and unique anatomical feature in its young.

Usage

• The word "stinkbird" is a common name used to refer to this specific bird. It is a compound noun formed from "stink" and "bird," directly describing its most notable characteristic.
• It is typically used in zoological, ornithological, or general descriptive contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The hoatzin, commonly known as the stinkbird, has a unique digestive system similar to a cow's.
  • We were lucky to spot a stinkbird during our trip to the Amazon basin.
  • The stinkbird's chicks use the claws on their wings to climb trees.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used interchangeably with the bird's scientific or more formal common name, "hoatzin."
• It can be used metaphorically or humorously to describe something or someone with a very unpleasant smell, though this is informal.
  • After that workout, my gym bag is a real stinkbird.

Variants and Related Words

• Hoatzin (n): The more formal common name and the scientific name () for the same bird.
• Canje pheasant (n): An older, regional name for the hoatzin/stinkbird.

Synonyms

• Hoatzin: The direct synonym and alternative name.
• Fetid bird: A descriptive synonym emphasizing the smell (less common).

Notes on Different Meanings

The word "stinkbird" has one primary zoological meaning. Any other use is an informal, metaphorical extension based on its literal meaning (an ill-smelling thing).

Noun

1. crested ill-smelling South American bird whose young have claws on the first and second digits of the wings