notornis

[ noh-tawr-nis ]

noun

a rare, flightless gallinulelike bird, Notornis mantelli, of New Zealand.

Origin of notornis

1840–50; <New Latin: name of the genus <Greek nót(os) the south + órnis bird

Also called takahe.

Words Nearby notornis

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use notornis in a sentence

Among other interesting birds notornis stanleyi is figured on the plate opposite p. 273.
Extinct Birds | Walter Rothschild
White's figure clearly shows the long wing coverts characteristic of the genus notornis.
Extinct Birds | Walter Rothschild
This bird was nearly as large as notornis, but with a very small head and with a frontal shield.
Extinct Birds | Walter Rothschild
It might be described as: Resembling Aptornis, but with shorter bill and feet, thus more approaching notornis.
Extinct Birds | Walter Rothschild

British Dictionary definitions for notornis

notornis

/ (nəʊˈtɔːnɪs) /

noun

a rare flightless rail of the genus Notornis, of New Zealand: See takahe

Origin of notornis

C19: New Latin, from Greek notos south + ornis bird

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

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