Bittern Definition

bĭtərn
bitterns
noun
Any of several wading birds of the genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus, having mottled brownish plumage and, in most species, a deep booming cry in the male.
American Heritage
Any of a subfamily (Botaurinae) of wading birds, including a genus (Botaurus) noted for the resounding, thumping call of the male.
Webster's New World
The bitter water solution of bromides, magnesium, and calcium salts remaining after sodium chloride is crystallized out of seawater.
American Heritage
The bitter liquid left after the crystallization of salt from brine.
Webster's New World

Several bird species in the heron family Ardeidae.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Bittern

Noun

Singular:
bittern
Plural:
bitterns

Origin of Bittern

  • Alteration (perhaps influenced by tern) of Middle English bitour from Old French butor possibly from Vulgar Latin buti-taurus Latin būtiō buzzard Latin taurus bull (after its cry) tauro- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Old French butor, from Gallo-Roman *butitaurus, a blend of Latin būtiō (“bittern”) and taurus (“bull, ox”).

    From Wiktionary

  • From bitter with an unclear suffix, perhaps a dialect form of -ing.

    From Wiktionary

  • From bitter

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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