curlew etymology

Etymology

The word "curlew" is derived from the Old French word "corlieu," which in turn comes from the Latin word "curruca," meaning "wren." This name was originally applied to a smaller bird, but was later transferred to the larger curlew due to its similar call.

Meaning

The word "curlew" refers to any of several species of large wading birds belonging to the genus Numenius. These birds are characterized by their long, curved bills and mottled plumage. They are found in various habitats around the world, including coastal areas, wetlands, and grasslands.

Origin

The origin of the genus Numenius, to which curlews belong, is not entirely clear. However, it is believed that the group evolved in Eurasia during the Miocene epoch, around 15-23 million years ago. The oldest known curlew fossils have been found in France and date back to the Pliocene epoch, around 5-2 million years ago.

Specific Meanings of Curlew Species

In addition to the general meaning of "curlew," the term can also refer to specific species of these birds:

  • Eurasian Curlew: (Numenius arquata)
  • Whimbrel: (Numenius phaeopus)
  • Eskimo Curlew: (Numenius borealis)
  • Little Curlew: (Numenius minutus)
  • Far Eastern Curlew: (Numenius madagascariensis)
  • Slender-billed Curlew: (Numenius tenuirostris)
  • Australian Curlew: (Numenius cyanopus)

curlew relate terms

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  • cark

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  • carpenter

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  • carriage

    Etymology The word carriage originates from the Old French word carier or charriere

  • carrier

    Etymology Old French carier Latin carrus cart chariot iarius suffix denoting r

  • carry

    Etymology The word carry derives from the Old English word cerian meaning to turn

  • charabanc

    Etymology The word charabanc is derived from the French phrase char à bancs which

  • charette

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  • charge

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  • chariot

    Etymology The word chariot has its origins in the following languages Old French ch

  • concourse

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  • concur

    Etymology From Latin concurrere to run together from con together currere

  • concurrent

    Etymology The word concurrent has its origins in Latin Con With together Currere

  • corral

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  • corridor

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  • corsair

    Etymology Middle French corsaire from Old French cors meaning body Meaning A

  • courant

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  • courier

    Etymology The word courier comes from the French word courreur which means runner

  • course

    Etymology The word course comes from the Old French word curs which means a running

  • currency

    Etymology The word currency comes from the Latin word currere which means to run

  • current

    Current Etymology Originally from the Latin word currens meaning running Late

  • curriculum

    Etymology The word curriculum comes from the Latin word currere meaning to run M

  • cursive

    Etymology Cursive is derived from the Latin word cursivus which means running or f

  • cursor

    Etymology The word cursor comes from the Latin word cursōr which means runner It

  • cursory

    Etymology Latin cursus a running course journey ory suffix indicating a place

  • discharge

    Etymology The word discharge comes from the Old French word descharger meaning to

  • discourse

    Etymology Discourse n comes from the Old French descourir from the Latin discurrere

  • encharge

    Etymology Old French encharger Latin incaricare to load charge Proto Indo Euro

  • excursion

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  • hussar

    Etymology and Meaning Hussar comes from the Hungarian word huszár which means twent

  • incur

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  • kraal

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  • miscarry

    Etymology Middle English miscarien from Old French mescharrier miscarry fail mism

  • occur

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  • precursor

    Etymology From Latin praecursor meaning forerunner precursor from prae meaning

  • recourse

    Etymology Latin recursus From re back currere to run Meaning A sourc

  • recur

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  • succor

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  • coach

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    Etymology Mediterranean comes from the Latin phrase mare mediterraneum meaning sea i

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    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words

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    Etymology Latin contritus past participle of conterere to rub together crush grind

  • proportion

    Etymology From Old French proportion appropriate relation or measure from Latin pr

  • baptize

    Etymology Origin Greek βαπτίζω baptizō Meaning to dip plunge or immerse