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Glite Dictionary
Melanitta nigra

Melanitta nigra

9.9
A sea duck that dives for food near the coast in northern Europe and Asia
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Melanitta nigra
  • The Melanitta nigra is often seen diving for food in shallow coastal waters.

Examples

  • Conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations of Melanitta nigra in Europe.

  • The Melanitta nigra is often seen along the coasts of Norway.

  • Birdwatchers gathered to observe a flock of Melanitta nigra during their annual migration.

  • Many birdwatchers travel to see the Melanitta nigra in its natural habitat.

  • Birdwatchers gathered to observe a flock of Melanitta nigra during their annual migration.

  • Conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations of Melanitta nigra in Europe.

  • The Melanitta nigra is often seen diving for food in shallow coastal waters.

Synonyms

scoter
vsMelanitta nigra
1 9.9

A large black duck that dives for food near northern coasts

is the specific species name for that broader group
scooter
vsMelanitta nigra
  • UK
1 9.9

A large black diving duck found in northern coastal waters

is the species name for one specific bird within that genus
common scoter
vsMelanitta nigra
  • UK
9.0

A sea duck with black males and brown females

is the scientific name used instead of the common term

Surface Forms

Melanitta nigra singular
Melanitta nigras plural

Morphology

Melanitta + nigra

This is a Latin binomial (scientific) name rather than a compositional English phrase, so its meaning ('a species of sea duck') is not predictably derived from ordinary English constituents; one constituent ('nigra') is even missing a dictionary gloss here. Even if 'Melanitta' were recognised as a genus or 'nigra' as a Latin/Romance root meaning 'black', that etymological knowledge is specialized and not available to an average B1 learner, so the phrase is not transparently interpretable.

Etymology

The scientific name Melanitta nigra comes from old words meaning 'duck' and 'black', where Melanitta refers to the duck part and nigra to the black part, so the name paints the picture of a dark sea duck and is used for the 'common scoter' today.