vulture etymology

Etymology:

The word "vulture" comes from the Latin "vultur," which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "wel-" or "wer-," meaning "to tear."

Meaning:

A vulture is a large, scavenging bird of prey with a hooked beak and powerful talons. Vultures are known for their ability to consume decaying organic matter, such as carrion, and are often seen circling above landfills or other areas where dead animals are present.

Origin:

Vultures are native to all continents except Antarctica. They evolved from the Accipitridae family of birds, which also includes eagles, hawks, and kites. The earliest known fossil record of vultures dates back to the Oligocene epoch, approximately 30 million years ago.

Other Related Terms:

  • Vulturid: Relating to or characteristic of vultures.
  • Vulturian: Having the qualities of a vulture, such as being predatory or scavenging.

vulture relate terms

  • svelte

    Etymology Late Latin sveltus meaning graceful slender Old Norse sverta meaning to

  • turkey vulture

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  • turkey

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  • vulture

    Etymology The word vulture comes from the Latin vultur which is derived from the Pr

  • ossifrage

    Etymology The word ossifrage is derived from two Latin words Os bone Frango to

  • gyrfalcon

    Etymology The word gyrfalcon is derived from the Old Norse words gýr vulture an

  • buzzard

    Etymology The word buzzard is derived from the Middle English word busard which is

  • promethium

    Etymology Promethium is named after Prometheus a Titan from Greek mythology who stole f

  • Prometheus

    Etymology Greek Προμηθεύς Promētheus Meaning Forethought or Foresi

  • stork

    Etymology Old English storc Proto West Germanic storkaz Proto Germanic sturkaz Pro

  • parrot

    Etymology The word parrot comes from the Late Latin word psitacus which is thought

  • alone

    Etymology Old English ānlīen solitary Proto West Germanic ainli solitary Pro

  • stamina

    Etymology and Meaning The word stamina comes from the Latin word stamina meaning war