swallow-tailed
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having a deeply forked tail resembling the tail of a swallow (the bird). This term is used especially in zoology to describe the tail shape of certain butterflies, birds, and other animals.
Usage
The adjective "swallow-tailed" is used attributively (before a noun) to describe an animal whose tail has a specific, forked shape. It is a descriptive term common in natural history.
Examples
- The swallow-tailed kite is a graceful bird of prey, easily identified by its long, forked tail.
- We observed a beautiful swallow-tailed butterfly in the garden.
- The species is distinguished by its swallow-tailed appearance.
Advanced Usage
- The term can be used metaphorically or in design to describe any object with a similar forked shape, though this is less common.
- The vintage coat featured swallow-tailed coattails.
Variants and Related Words
- Swallowtail (noun): A butterfly of a family (Papilionidae) many of which have tail-like projections on the hindwings. Also used as a shorthand for "swallow-tailed butterfly."
- The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail is a common sight in summer.
Synonyms
- Fork-tailed
- Deeply forked
Antonyms
- Square-tailed
- Rounded-tail
- Fan-tailed
Adjective
-
(especially of butterflies and birds) having a forked tail like that of a swallow
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