ralline

American  

[ral-ahyn, -in] / ˈræl aɪn, -ɪn /

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Rallidae, comprising the rails and allied species.

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ralline British  

/ -ɪn, ˈrælaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Rallidae , a family of birds that includes the rails, crakes, and coots

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Etymology

Origin of ralline

1880–85; < New Latin Rall ( us ) name of genus ( rail ³ ) + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

Notornis, nō-tor′nis, n. a genus of gigantic ralline birds, with wings so much reduced as to be incapable of flight, which have within historical times become extinct in New Zealand, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Of rails, or ralline birds, there are ten or twelve, ranging from a small spotted creature no bigger than a thrush to some large majestic birds.

From Project Gutenberg

Where they pass the winter—in what Mentone or Madeira of the ralline race—is not known.

From Project Gutenberg