bittern1
/ˈbɪtən
/noun
A large marshbird of the heron family, which is typically smaller than a heron, with brown streaked plumage. The larger kinds are noted for the deep booming call of the male in the breeding season.
- Genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus, family Ardeidae: several species, especially the Eurasian bittern (B. stellaris) and the American bittern (B. lentiginosus).
- The grey heron was anyway considered to be the best of a group of birds with similar lifestyles, to wit other herons and night herons, egrets, bitterns, and cormorants.
- The bittern, a brown heron, came close to dying out six years ago and conservationists feared there were only 11 ‘booming’ males left.
Origin
Late Middle English bitore, from Old French butor, based on Latin butio 'bittern' + taurus 'bull' (because of its call). The -n was added in the 16th century, perhaps by association with hern, obsolete variant of heron.
Rhymes
bittern2
/ˈbɪtən/(also bitterns)
noun [mass noun]
A concentrated solution of various salts remaining after the crystallization of salt from seawater.This is curdled by calcium sulphate, or by a traditional curdling agent called nigari in Japan; this is bittern, the lye left over after the crystallization of salt from sea water....
- A combination of whey mineral and an alkali metal salt or bittern enhances the salty taste.
- A new process for recovery of Low Sodium Salt from bittern has been described in the present invention.
Origin
Late 17th century: probably from the adjective bitter.