ptarmigan

English

Etymology

From Scottish Gaelic tàrmachan, of unknown origin. The pt- comes from a mistaken belief in a Greek origin, as if related to ptero- (“wing”).

Pronunciation

Noun

ptarmigan (plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans)

  1. Any of three species of small grouse in the genus Lagopus found in subarctic tundra areas of North America and Eurasia.

Synonyms
  • (species of small grouse): lagopus (obsolete)

Derived terms

Translations
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