resplendent quetzal
- noun
- /rɪˈsplɛndənt ˈkwɛt͡səl/
:
quetzal resplandeciente
- In the misty highlands of Guatemala, the resplendent quetzal can often be spotted among the vibrant foliage.
Examples
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The resplendent quetzal is admired for its brilliant green and red feathers.
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Birdwatchers travel to Costa Rica in hopes of spotting a resplendent quetzal in the cloud forests.
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The resplendent quetzal features prominently on the Guatemalan flag and coat of arms.
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The resplendent quetzal is a symbol of freedom in Guatemala.
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Many tourists come to see the resplendent quetzal in its natural habitat.
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Birdwatchers flock to Central America to catch a glimpse of the resplendent quetzal, known for its stunning green and red plumage.
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The resplendent quetzal, with its long tail feathers and bright colors, is a symbol of beauty in many Central American cultures.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A large bright bird from Central America with long green and red tail feathers
A rare Central American bird with shiny green and red feathers, the national bird of Guatemala
A brightly colored rare bird from Central America that is Guatemala's national bird
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'resplendent' (very bright/striking) modifies 'quetzal' (a specific bird), so the meaning is directly a brightly colored quetzal. This compositional pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituent words would understand the MWE.
Etymology
Resplendent quetzal combines the English word resplendent meaning 'shining' with quetzal, from an old Aztec word 'quetzalli' meaning 'precious feather'. People in Central America valued the bird's long, bright tail feathers as ornaments, so the name points to its bright green and red colors and long tail.