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Glite Dictionary
Alca

Alca

9.9
A group of seabirds that has only the razorbill, a diving bird of the North Atlantic
  • noun
  • /ˈæl.kə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Alca
  • The genus Alca contains only the razorbill species found in the North Atlantic.

Examples

  • Ornithologists recently published a study on the behavior of Alca torda.

  • The Alca is known for its distinctive bill.

  • Members of the family Alcidae, such as Alca, are expert divers.

  • Have you ever seen an Alca in the wild?

  • The genus Alca contains only the razorbill species found in the North Atlantic.

  • Ornithologists recently published a study on the behavior of Alca torda.

  • Members of the family Alcidae, such as Alca, are expert divers.

Synonyms

genus Alca
vsAlca
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of seabirds that has only one living species, the razorbill

is the plain genus term without the technical label or species name

Compounds

genus Alca
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of seabirds that has only one living species, the razorbill

Surface Forms

Alca singular
Alcas plural

Etymology

The word Alca comes from an old Norse word alka, which means 'auk', a sea bird known for diving. Scientists used Alca as the scientific name for the razorbill, so the name now refers to this diving sea bird.