The bridled tern is a bird species that is commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is known for its distinctive appearance, which includes a dark cap on its head, a white forehead, and a black band that runs across its eyes. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the bridled tern, as well as its origin, associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The bridled tern is a small seabird that belongs to the family Sternidae. It is characterized by its long, pointed wings, forked tail, and slender body. The bird’s plumage is mostly white, with a black cap on its head, a white forehead, and a black band that runs across its eyes. The bird’s bill is slender and pointed, and its legs are short and black.
Origin
The bridled tern is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. The bird is known to breed on islands and coastal areas, where it builds its nests on the ground or in crevices in rocks. The bird’s diet consists of small fish, squid, and crustaceans, which it catches by diving into the water from the air.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “bridled” refers to the bird’s distinctive black band that runs across its eyes. The word “tern” is derived from the Old Norse word “thirnir,” which means “a tern.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the bridled tern as “a small tern that has a black band across the eyes and breeds on islands and coastal areas.”
Associations
The bridled tern is associated with the ocean, islands, and coastal areas. The bird is also associated with tropical and subtropical regions, as it is found in these areas around the world. In some cultures, the bridled tern is considered a symbol of freedom and independence, as it is a bird that is able to fly and swim freely in the ocean.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for the bridled tern include the black-capped tern, the brown-winged tern, and the short-tailed tern. These names refer to different aspects of the bird’s appearance, such as its black cap, brown wings, and short tail.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for the bridled tern, as it is a unique species of bird that does not have a direct opposite. However, some people may consider other seabirds, such as gulls or pelicans, to be antonyms of the bridled tern, as they have different physical characteristics and behaviors.
The same root words
The word “tern” is the root word for the bridled tern, and it is also used to describe other species of birds in the Sternidae family. Some other bird species that are related to the bridled tern include the common tern, the Arctic tern, and the roseate tern.
Example Sentences
- The bridled tern is a small seabird with a distinctive black band across its eyes.
- The bridled tern is found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
- The bridled tern is known for its ability to dive into the water to catch small fish and crustaceans.
- The bridled tern is a symbol of freedom and independence in some cultures.
- The bridled tern is related to other species of birds in the Sternidae family, such as the common tern and the Arctic tern.