Auklet is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it has a very specific meaning in the world of ornithology. This article will explore the definition and meaning of auklet, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of its usage in sentences.
Definitions
An auklet is a small seabird that belongs to the family Alcidae. These birds are found in the northern Pacific Ocean and are known for their distinctive appearance, with a short, rounded bill and a plump body. There are several species of auklet, including the Cassin’s auklet, the crested auklet, and the least auklet.
In addition to its use as the name of a bird species, auklet can also refer to a small, ornamental button or a type of knot used in sailing.
Origin
The word auklet comes from the Old Norse word álka, which means “auk” or “razorbill.” The word was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe the small seabirds that were commonly found in the waters around Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, auklet is defined as “any of several small, plump seabirds of the family Alcidae, native to the northern Pacific Ocean.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary offers a similar definition, describing auklets as “small, short-billed seabirds that are related to puffins and are found in the North Pacific.”
Associations
Auklets are often associated with other seabirds, such as puffins and guillemots, as they share similar habitats and behaviors. They are also associated with the cold, northern waters of the Pacific Ocean, where they are commonly found.
Synonyms
There are no commonly used synonyms for auklet, as the word refers specifically to a type of bird.
Antonyms
As with synonyms, there are no commonly used antonyms for auklet.
The same root words
The word auklet is derived from the Old Norse word álka, which means “auk” or “razorbill.” Other words that share this root include the Icelandic word álka and the Norwegian word alk.
Example Sentences
Here are a few examples of how the word auklet might be used in sentences:
- The Cassin’s auklet is a small bird that is found in the waters off the coast of California.
- The crested auklet is known for its distinctive plume of feathers on its head.
- The sailor tied a small auklet knot to secure the rope to the cleat.
- The antique button collection included several auklet buttons that were made from mother-of-pearl.
Overall, auklet is a word that is specific to the world of ornithology and the study of birds. While it may not be a commonly used term in everyday language, it has an important place in the scientific community and in the study of the natural world.