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Glite Dictionary
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underbill

underbill

8.8
The lower part of a bird's beak beneath the top part
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : mandíbula inferior
  • The underbill of the bird was a vibrant shade of blue, contrasting beautifully with its upper bill.

Examples

  • The ornithologist explained that the underbill is crucial for the bird's feeding habits.

  • When observing the parrot, I noticed its distinct yellow underbill that set it apart from other birds.

  • Contrasting navy underbill on all colors except white, black, and pink.

    Blog text (5)

  • Quote comment="331610" Is Juan Pierre sporting a green underbill in this pic?

    Blog text (6)

  • However, in the case of an economic transfer of a patient, for every $1,600 underbill, there is a $1,600 bill that the second hospital incurs, repeating the workup of the first hospital.

    Academic text (2002)

Surface Forms

underbill singular
underbills plural

Morphology

underbill = bill (transparent) = under + bill

Meaning is a straightforward spatial/positional compound 'under' + 'bill' (the lower part of a beak), which learners can derive from known parts.

Etymology

Underbill comes from under- ('below') and bill ('beak'). Think of a bird's beak with a top and a bottom part, so underbill is the lower 'beak' under the upper one.