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Glite Dictionary
Cairina moschata

Cairina moschata

9.9
A large crested duck from Central and South America that people keep for meat and eggs
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Cairina moschata
  • The Cairina moschata is renowned for its quiet demeanor compared to other domestic ducks.

Examples

  • Many farmers raise Cairina moschata for their flavorful meat and eggs.

  • The Cairina moschata is often seen in parks.

  • Wild populations of Cairina moschata can still be found in South American wetlands.

  • Many farmers raise Cairina moschata for their meat.

  • Muscovy ducks, or Cairina moschata, are often raised on farms for their meat and eggs.

  • In many parts of South America, Cairina moschata are favored for their unique appearance and size.

  • The Cairina moschata is easily recognized by its distinctive crest and striking plumage.

Synonyms

Muscovy duck
vsCairina moschata
  • US
8.3

A large duck from Central and South America kept for meat and eggs

is the scientific name for the same duck rather than the common name
musk duck
vsCairina moschata
  • US
8.0

A large wild duck with a crest that people raise for meat and eggs

is the scientific name used for this species rather than the other common term

Surface Forms

Cairina moschata singular
Cairina moschatas plural

Morphology

Cairina + moschata

This is a Latin binomial (scientific name) and functions as a proper noun rather than a compositional phrase; its meaning (‘Muscovy duck’) is not derivable from the parts for an average B1 learner. One constituent is a technical genus label and the other is not a dictionary word, so the expression is effectively an arbitrary label and thus not transparent to learners who only know the constituent forms.

Etymology

Cairina moschata is the scientific name for the large, crested bird we call the 'Muscovy duck'. The name may come from Cairina for the crested duck and moschata meaning 'musk' or a strong scent, so the name helps you picture this big duck often kept on farms.