Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
ostrich
os′trich
(ŏs′trich)
, Noun.
[OE.
ostriche
, ostrice
, OF. ostruche
, ostruce
, F. autruche
, L. avis struthio
; avis
bird + struthio
ostrich, fr. Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] bird, sparrow. Cf. Aviary
, Struthious
.] [Formerly written also
estrich
.] (Zool.)
A large bird of the genus
Struthio
, of which Struthio camelus
of Africa is the best known species. It has long and very strong legs, adapted for rapid running; only two toes; a long neck, nearly bare of feathers; and short wings incapable of flight. The adult male is about eight feet high. ☞ The South African ostrich (
Struthio australis
) and the Asiatic ostrich are considered distinct species by some authors. Ostriches are now domesticated in South Africa in large numbers for the sake of their plumes. The body of the male is covered with elegant black plumose feathers, while the wings and tail furnish the most valuable white plumes. Ostrich farm
, a farm on which ostriches are bred for the sake of their feathers, oil, eggs, etc.
– Ostrich farming
, the occupation of breeding ostriches for the sake of their feathers, etc.
– Ostrich fern
(Bot.)
a kind of fern (
Onoclea Struthiopteris
), the tall fronds of which grow in a circle from the rootstock. It is found in alluvial soil in Europe and North America.Webster 1828 Edition
Ostrich
OS'TRICH
,Noun.
A fowl now considered as constituting a distinct genus, the Struthio. This is the largest of all fowls, being four feet high from the ground to the top of the back and seven, eight, and it is said even ten to the top of the head, when standing erect. Its thighs and the sides of the body are naked, and the wings are so short as to be unfit for flying. The plumage is elegant, and much used in ornamental and showy dress. The speed of this fowl in running exceeds that of the fleetest horse.
Definition 2024
ostrich
ostrich
English
An ostrich and chick
Noun
ostrich (plural ostriches)
- A large flightless bird (Struthio camelus) native to Africa.
- 2013 July 26, Nick Miroff, “Mexico gets a taste for eating insects [… ]”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 7, page 32:
- The San Juan market is Mexico City's most famous deli of exotic meats, where an adventurous shopper can hunt down hard-to-find critters such as ostrich, wild boar and crocodile.
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Translations
large flightless bird
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