rasorial

[ ruh-sawr-ee-uhl ]

adjective

1. given to scratching the ground for food, as is the habit of chickens and other gallinaceous birds.
2. pertaining to a bird's foot adapted for scratching.

rasorial

/ rəˈsɔːrɪəl /

adjective

1. (of birds such as domestic poultry) adapted for scratching the ground for food

Word History and Origins

Origin of rasorial¹

First recorded in 1830–40; from New Latin Rasor(es) former name of the order, Late Latin rāsōrēs, plural of rāsor “scratcher, scraper,” from Latin rād(ere) “to scratch, scrape” + -tor noun suffix of agency (with -dt- becoming -s-) + -ial adjective suffix; raze, -tor, -ial

Word History and Origins

Origin of rasorial¹

C19: from New Latin Rasores such birds, from Latin rādere to scrape

Example Sentences

For want of a better term, we must call this the Rasorial type, as it corresponds to that Ornithological group.

From Project Gutenberg

There is the same need for a substitute for rasorial, which is only applicable to birds.

From Project Gutenberg

Two pigeons and four species of quail are all the rasorial birds in the island; the true gallinaceous birds being wholly wanting.

From Project Gutenberg

The dry leaves of the woods are turned over with their feet, for they are somewhat rasorial in their habits.

From Project Gutenberg