hirundine

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English

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Etymology

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From Latin hirundo (a swallow).

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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hirundine (not comparable)

  1. Of or relating to a swallow (the bird); of or relating to the family Hirundinidae.
    • 1899, R.H. Allen, Star Names and their Meaning, page 44:
      I have not met with these hirundine star-titles except in these two instances, and I think them both incorrect.

Noun

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hirundine (plural hirundines)

  1. A member of the swallow family
    • 1973, Patrick O'Brian, HMS Surprise:
      ‘...and so, gentlemen, I believe I may confidently state that the hibernation of swallows, and of all other hirundines, is conclusively proved,’ said Mr Lamb, with a defiant glare at his audience.

Latin

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Noun

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hirundine

  1. ablative singular of hirundō