apteryx

[ ap-tuh-riks ]

/ ˈæp tə rɪks /

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noun

kiwi (def. 1).

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Origin of apteryx

1805–15; <New Latin: the genus name, equivalent to Greek a-a-⁶ + -pteryx, adj. use of ptéryx wing

Words nearby apteryx

apteral, apterium, apterous, apterygial, apterygote, apteryx, aptitude, aptitude test, aptly, aptonym, Apuleius

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use apteryx in a sentence

Palapteryx, pal-ap′tėr-iks, n. a genus of fossil birds found in New Zealand, resembling the Apteryx.
Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 3 of 4: N-R)|Various
But with the cassowary, the emu, or the apteryx matters are very different.
Birds in Flight|W. P. Pycraft
Allied to these are the four species of Kiwi or apteryx, still existing there.
More Science From an Easy Chair|Sir E. Ray (Edwin Ray) Lankester
A pollex is wanting, as in the cassowary, emeu and apteryx, while it is impossible to say whether remiges are represented or not.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2|Various

The wing of apteryx, like that of the cassowary, has become extremely reduced.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for apteryx

apteryx

/ (ˈæptərɪks) /

noun

another name for kiwi (def. 1)

Word Origin for apteryx

C19: from New Latin: wingless creature; see apterous

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012