trochilus

[trok-uh-luhs]

noun

Architecture.

plural

trochili 

1. scotia.

trochilus

/ ˈtrɒkɪləs /

noun

1. another name for hummingbird

2. any of several Old World warblers, esp Phylloscopus trochilus (willow warbler)

Word History and Origins

Origin of trochilus¹

1555–65; < Greek tróchilos; trochlea

Word History and Origins

Origin of trochilus¹

C16: via Latin from Greek trokhilos name of a small Egyptian bird said by ancient writers to pick the teeth of crocodiles, from trekhein to run

Example Sentences

In the south Eustephanus galeritus has been seen flitting about the fuchsias of Tierra del Fuego in a snow-storm, and in the north-west Selatophorus rufus in summer visits the ribes-blossoms of Sitka, while in the north-east Trochilus colubris charms the vision of Canadians as it poises itself over the althaea-bushes in their gardens, and extends its range at least so far as lat.

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Taking the hint thus afforded, Linnaeus very soon after went farther, and, excluding the wrens, founded his genus Trochilus for the reception of such humming-birds as were known to him.

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Trochilus, trok′i-lus, n. a genus of humming-birds.

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This story was long believed to be a fable; but the French naturalist Geoffrey de Saint Hilaire has, in modern times, confirmed the veracity of the father of history, and pronounces the Tróchilus of the ancients to be the Pluvier à Collier interrompu, the subject of the present chapter.

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This unwieldy monster, having no flexible tongue wherewith to cleanse its mouth, comes on shore after its meals, opens its jaws, and allows the Tróchilus to enter and pick off the leeches and fragments of food, which, adhering to its teeth, interfere, with its comfort.

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