great auk (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ɡreɪt ɔk/

Meaning and Usage

The term "great auk" refers to a large, flightless bird that was native to the North Atlantic. It is closely related to the puffins and was known for its distinctive black and white coloring and its inability to fly. The great auk is now extinct, primarily due to overhunting and habitat destruction, with the last confirmed sightings occurring in the mid-19th century. In terms of usage, "great auk" is predominantly found in written contexts, such as scientific texts and articles discussing extinction, ornithology, and wildlife conservation.

The frequency of the term's use is relatively low in everyday conversation, though it may be referenced in discussions about extinctions or historical environmental changes.

Example Sentences

1. The great auk was once a common sight along the coasts of the North Atlantic.

2. Великое альбатрос было когда-то обычным зрелищем вдоль берегов Северного Атлантики.

3. Scientists study the demise of the great auk to learn more about the impacts of human activity on wildlife.

4. Учёные изучают исчезновение великого альбатроса, чтобы лучше понять влияние человеческой деятельности на дикую природу.

5. Museums often display remains of the great auk to educate the public about its extinction.

6. Музеи часто выставляют останки великого альбатроса, чтобы просветить общественность о его исчезновении.

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "great auk" is not commonly found in idiomatic expressions, given that it refers to a specific, historical bird rather than a concept or idea that can be generalized. However, it can be metaphorically referenced in discussions about extinction, loss, and environmental change. Below are some creative expressions that could be formed using the concept of the "great auk":

1. "The habitat loss felt like a great auk moment for the population of native birds."

2. Потеря местаобитания ощущалась как момент великого альбатроса для популяции местных птиц.

3. "Our efforts to save the environment are not as drastic as the death of the great auk."

4. Наши усилия по спасению окружающей среды не так драматичны, как смерть великого альбатроса.

5. "Ignoring climate change could lead us down the path of the great auk."

6. Игнорирование изменений климата может привести нас по пути великого альбатроса.

Etymology

The term "great auk" originates from the Old Norse word "álkr" meaning "alca" or "auk," which refers to a type of seabird. The word "great" is used to indicate its larger size compared to other species referred to as "auks," which includes smaller birds in the same family.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Flightless bird
• Alca impennis (scientific name)
• Antonyms:
• Flying bird
• Avian species (in general context, contrasting those who can fly versus those who cannot)

In summary, the great auk is a significant example of human impact on wildlife and serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to prevent similar extinctions in the future.