black-footed albatross
- noun
- /blækˈfʊtɪd ˈælbətrɔs/
- US
:
albatros de patas negras
- The black-footed albatross is known for its impressive wingspan as it glides effortlessly over the ocean.
Examples
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During my trip, I was thrilled to spot a black-footed albatross resting on the rocky cliffs.
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The conservationists are studying the habits of the black-footed albatross to help protect its habitat.
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Hey, did you get a chance to see that black-footed albatross?
Synonyms
3
9.9
A large sea bird with black feet that lives in the North Pacific
1
9.9
A large sea bird with long wings and black feet that lives in the North Pacific
A large sea bird with dark feathers and black feet that lives in the North Pacific
A large sea bird with black feet that lives in the Pacific
A large sea bird with long wings that looks clumsy on land
Surface Forms
Morphology
black-footed + albatross
The noun phrase directly describes a physical attribute: 'black-footed' means 'having black feet' (derivable from 'black' + 'foot' + adjectival -ed) and modifies 'albatross'. This compositional pattern is straightforward and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words would readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Black-footed albatross is a name based on the bird's look: people saw an albatross with clearly black feet and so called it black-footed. That's why the name today means a 'seabird' with dark feathers and distinctive black feet.