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Glite Dictionary
Birdstone

Birdstone

9.6
An American racehorse that won the 2004 Belmont Stakes
  • proper noun
: Birdstone

Examples

  • His daddy, Birdstone, won the Belmont.

    50 to 1 (2014)

  • Noting that Mine That Bird had a long 2009 campaign, Woolley said the gelded son of Birdstone would get a much-needed winter break.

    Blog text (4)

  • Things were also pretty glum around Belmont Park that day in June of 2004 when Smarty Jones lost the Triple Crown to Birdstone before a packed house.

    Blog text (18)

  • Many fans remember how Birdstone shocked everyone by defeating Smarty Jones in the Belmont.

  • Birdstone won the 2004 Belmont Stakes, earning his place in racing history.

  • With a powerful final stretch, Birdstone claimed victory in the prestigious Belmont Stakes.

Surface Forms

Birdstone main

Morphology

Birdstone = bird + stone (opaque) = bird + stone

Although formed from the words 'bird' and 'stone', as a proper name for a racehorse the components do not transparently indicate the referent.

Etymology

Birdstone is a compound name of bird and stone, where bird suggests 'speed' and stone suggests 'strength'. The name paints a picture of a horse both fast and strong, which helps you remember the American racehorse that won the 2004 Belmont Stakes.