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Glite Dictionary
graylag goose

graylag goose

5.6
A large gray wild goose common in Europe and western Asia
  • noun
  • /ˈɡreɪˌlæɡ ɡus/
  • US
translation icon : ganso gris
  • The graylag goose is often seen swimming in the lakes of northern Europe.

Examples

  • See his analysis of the egg-rolling behavior of the Greylag goose, 316-50.

    Academic text (2016)

  • I listen to the call of the graylag goose and dream of the places they come from.

    Academic text (1998)

  • During the migration season, the graylag goose flies in a characteristic V formation.

  • Farmers in the region appreciate the presence of the graylag goose, as it helps control pests in their fields.

Synonyms

graylag
vsgraylag goose
  • US
9.3

A large wild grey goose from Europe

is the full common name used in standard reference sources
Anser anser
vsgraylag goose
  • Specialized
8.3

A large grey wild goose from Europe and Asia that is the ancestor of many farm geese

is the everyday common name rather than a technical Latin label

Surface Forms

graylag goose singular
graylag geese plural

Morphology

graylag + goose

The meaning is directly compositional: 'graylag' denotes a large grey goose and simply modifies 'goose', so a learner who knows both constituents will infer it is a type of grey wild goose. This modifier+head noun compounding is a common, transparent pattern in English (and other languages), so the overall meaning is immediately derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Graylag goose probably gets its name from the bird's color gray and an old word lag that meant a 'group' or 'flock'. The name gives the simple picture of a grey goose seen in groups, and that is why it refers to the common wild grey goose we know today.