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Glite Dictionary
Dromaius novaehollandiae

Dromaius novaehollandiae

9.6
A large Australian bird that cannot fly, like an ostrich
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Dromaius novaehollandiae
  • The Dromaius novaehollandiae is the second-largest living bird by height, after the ostrich.

Examples

  • The Dromaius novaehollandiae can run at high speeds despite being flightless.

  • Wild Dromaius novaehollandiae are known for their distinctive long necks and shaggy feathers.

  • Farmers in Australia often encounter the Dromaius novaehollandiae roaming open plains and grasslands.

  • Unlike the ostrich, the Dromaius novaehollandiae is native to Australia and is well adapted to its climate.

  • The Dromaius novaehollandiae is native to Australia.

  • Did you see a Dromaius novaehollandiae at the zoo?

  • In Australia, the Dromaius novaehollandiae is often seen wandering through farmland.

Synonyms

emu
vsDromaius novaehollandiae
  • Australian
4 3.7

A large flightless bird from Australia with long legs and brown feathers

is the formal name used rather than the common name
Dromaius
vsDromaius novaehollandiae
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large Australian birds that cannot fly, including the emu

is one specific bird species rather than a group of species

How Big

ostrich
24 1.3
Dromaius novaehollandiae
  • Specialized
9.6
pigeon
247 1.0
sparrow
38 1.0

Surface Forms

Dromaius novaehollandiae singular
Dromaius novaehollandiaes plural

Morphology

Dromaius + novaehollandiae

This is a scientific Latin binomial (genus + specific epithet) and functions as a taxonomic proper name rather than a compositional English phrase. An average B1 learner who knows the listed constituents would not be able to derive the common-word meaning 'emu' from the obscure/Latin epithet 'novaehollandiae' or the genus label, so the meaning is not transparently predictable.

Etymology

Dromaius novaehollandiae comes from older words: Dromaius means 'runner' and novaehollandiae means 'New Holland', the old name for Australia. So the name shows a fast, running bird from Australia, which fits this large flightless bird.