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Glite Dictionary
Aegypius monachus

Aegypius monachus

9.9
A very large vulture that lives in southern Europe, Asia, and northern Africa
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Aegypius monachus
  • The Aegypius monachus is one of the largest birds of prey found in Europe.

Examples

  • Conservation efforts have helped increase the population of Aegypius monachus in recent years.

  • The Aegypius monachus is known for its impressive wingspan.

  • Unlike other vultures, the Aegypius monachus prefers forested habitats.

  • Have you ever seen an Aegypius monachus in the wild?

  • The Aegypius monachus can often be spotted soaring high above the mountains in search of food.

  • Due to habitat loss, the Aegypius monachus faces threats to its survival in the wild.

  • Birdwatchers are excited to observe the Aegypius monachus during the migration season.

Synonyms

black vulture
vsAegypius monachus
1 6.8

A large black bird that eats dead animals and often flies over fields

is the specific Old World species found in southern Eurasia and northern Africa

Surface Forms

Aegypius monachus singular
Aegypius monachuses plural

Morphology

Aegypius + monachus

This is a Latin binomial (scientific species name) rather than a compositional English phrase; its meaning ('a large Old World vulture') requires taxonomic or specialist knowledge rather than straightforward combination of common English words. One constituent ('monachus') is not a normal English lexical item, so a B1 learner who ‘‘knows the words’’ would still not be able to derive the everyday meaning from them.

Etymology

Aegypius monachus may come from old words Aegypius meaning 'vulture' and monachus meaning 'monk'. Because the bird has dark, hood-like feathers that reminded people of a monk's robe, the name helps us picture a large, dark vulture.