单词 | bittern |
释义 | 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.
OriginLate 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. Rhymesbittern2/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....
OriginLate 17th century: probably from the adjective bitter. |
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