tail-base
Definition
Noun: The "tail-base" refers to the anatomical structure at the lower end of the spine in humans (the coccyx or tailbone) or the fleshy part at the rear of a bird (such as the parson's nose or pope's nose).
Usage Examples
- (Referring to the human coccyx.)
- (Referring to the fatty gland at the bird's rear.)
Advanced Usage
- Anatomical context: In medical or anatomical discussions, "tail-base" is a less formal term for the coccyx, the small triangular bone at the base of the spinal column.
- The injury to his tail-base required several weeks of rest. (Injury to the coccyx.)
- Culinary or ornithological context: In cooking or bird anatomy, "tail-base" denotes the uropygial gland or the fleshy protuberance at the rear of a bird.
- Some people consider the tail-base of a turkey a delicacy. (The fatty, glandular part.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tailbone (n): a common synonym for the coccyx in humans.
- She bruised her tailbone when she slipped on the stairs. (The coccyx.)
- Pope's nose (n): a colloquial term for the tail-base of a cooked bird.
- He always fights for the pope's nose at Thanksgiving dinner. (The bird's tail-base.)
Synonyms
- Coccyx: the medical term for the tailbone in humans.
- Parson's nose: another colloquial term for the bird's tail-base.
Related Idioms
- "To be on someone's tail": to follow closely or pursue someone (not directly related to "tail-base" but shares the word "tail").
- The police were on the thief's tail. (Pursuing closely.)
- "To turn tail": to run away from a difficult situation (again, using "tail" idiomatically).
- When the fight started, he turned tail and fled. (Ran away.)