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View synonyms for rara avis

rara avis

[ rair-uh ey-vis; Latin rah-rah ah-wis ]

noun

, plural ra·rae a·ves [rair, -ee , ey, -veez, rah, -, r, ahy , ah, -wes].
  1. a rare person or thing; rarity.


rara avis

/ ˈrɛərə ˈeɪvɪs /

noun

  1. an unusual, uncommon, or exceptional person or thing
“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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Word History and Origins

Origin of rara avis1

First recorded in 1600–10, rara avis is from Latin rāra avis “rare bird”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of rara avis1

Latin: rare bird
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Example Sentences

The Goldfinch proves Tartt to be a rara avis; her own species, willingly chained to her demanding muse.

He is that rara avis, the politician who writes his own books.

A railway general manager in Ireland was in those days, strange to say, something of a rara avis.

The words "very scanty" are used most advisedly, for in very truth the American historian is a rara avis.

He has talent and is a true littrateur,—a rara avis, to whom we must give a cage larger than Havre.

When we come to so-called civil matters, the lady who does not know and exercise her legal privileges is indeed a rara avis.

Now this Mrs. Fitzsnob is not a rara avis, but is frequently met with.

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