European roller
- noun
- UK
:
coracias
- The European roller is easily recognized by its vibrant blue feathers and distinctive flight.
Examples
-
Wildlife enthusiasts travel great distances to observe the rare courtship rituals of the European roller.
-
During their migration, flocks of European rollers can be seen gliding over southern Europe.
-
The European roller is a stunning bird.
-
Look at that European roller soaring in the sky!
-
During their migration, flocks of European rollers can be seen gliding over southern Europe.
-
The European roller is easily recognized by its vibrant blue feathers and distinctive flight.
-
Wildlife enthusiasts travel great distances to observe the rare courtship rituals of the European roller.
Synonyms
3
9.7
A bright bird that tumbles while flying
A brightly colored bird from Europe with blue and green feathers and a red-brown back
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'European' specifies the geographic provenance and 'roller' is a type of bird, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer this refers to a roller species found in Europe/Eurasia. This adjective + noun naming pattern is regular and cross-linguistically common, making the MWE immediately understandable from its parts.
Etymology
European roller may get its name from the bird's habit of 'rolling' in the air during bright, showy flights, so people called it a roller. The word European simply shows where it is mostly found, so the name means a bright, acrobatic bird from Europe known for its rolling flight.