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Glite Dictionary
anseriform bird

anseriform bird

8.9
A bird with webbed feet that swims, like ducks, geese, and swans
  • noun
  • /ˈænsərɪˌfɔrm bɜrd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ave anseriforme
  • Most anseriform birds have broad, flat bills adapted for dabbling in the water.

Examples

  • The mallard is one of the most widespread anseriform birds in the world.

  • Biologists are studying the migration patterns of several anseriform birds in the wetland region.

  • Biologists are studying the migration patterns of several anseriform birds in the wetland region.

  • Most anseriform birds have broad, flat bills adapted for dabbling in the water.

  • The mallard is one of the most widespread anseriform birds in the world.

  • Look at that beautiful anseriform bird over there!

  • The anseriform bird glided gracefully across the lake.

Synonyms

waterfowl
vsanseriform bird
12 3.5

Birds that live near fresh water, like ducks, geese, and swans

is the scientific taxonomic category that specifically names that group
waterbird
vsanseriform bird
1 2.4

A bird that lives near fresh water and swims or wades

is the scientific group defined by webbed feet rather than habitat
water bird
vsanseriform bird
1 1.7

A bird that lives in or near fresh water like lakes and rivers

is the scientific order defined by webbed feet and swimming adaptation
aquatic bird
vsanseriform bird
1 3.5

A bird that lives near water and can swim, wade or dive

is the specific taxonomic group of webbed freshwater swimmers

Surface Forms

anseriform bird singular
anseriform birds plural

Morphology

anseriform + bird

The phrase is directly compositional: 'anseriform' denotes membership in the order Anseriformes (ducks, geese, swans) and 'bird' names the taxonomic class, so the meaning 'a bird of the Anseriformes' is immediately derivable from the parts. Although 'anseriform' is a technical and rare adjective, if a learner knows that constituent the combination is transparent (in practice somewhat redundant because the adjective already implies a bird).

Etymology

Anseriform bird comes from the old word anser meaning 'goose' and the ending -form meaning 'shape' or 'like'. So it pictures a bird 'like a goose' and today it refers to water birds such as ducks, geese, and swans with webbed feet for swimming.