ALBATROSS Meaning and
Definition
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An albatross is a large seabird that belongs to the family Diomedeidae and is known for its impressive flying abilities and long wingspan. It is considered one of the largest birds in the world, with some species reaching a wingspan of up to 11 feet. Albatrosses have a distinctive appearance, generally characterized by their long, slender wings, streamlined bodies, and webbed feet.
These birds are known for their exceptional flying skills, which allow them to glide effortlessly for long periods without flapping their wings, making them highly efficient flyers. Due to their unique wing structure and lightweight bodies, albatrosses are capable of traveling vast distances across the oceans, often covering thousands of miles in a single journey.
Albatrosses predominantly feed on marine animals, such as fish, squid, and krill. They are expert scavengers, often taking advantage of other marine predators' leftovers. They also possess a keen sense of smell, which enables them to locate food sources over vast distances.
Albatrosses are known for their lengthy lifespans, with some individuals living for several decades. They also have a complex breeding behavior, typically forming long-term monogamous pairs and returning to the same breeding site year after year. However, many albatross species face significant threats due to human activities, such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction, which have led to population declines and listed them as endangered in certain regions.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ALBATROSS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for ALBATROSS
Etymology of ALBATROSS
The word "albatross" originated from the late Middle English term "alcatraz" or "alcatrace", which in turn had its roots in the Arabic word "al-ġaṭṭās" or "al-ġatrās". These Arabic terms referred to a seabird known as the "giant seagull". During the medieval period, the word evolved in various Romance languages like Spanish and Portuguese, becoming "alcatraz" and "alcatrazes" respectively, still referring to the seabird.
In the English language, the word transformed from "alcatras" to "albatross" through the influence of other bird names ending with "-ross", such as "ross", which meant "redbreast" in Old English.
Idioms with the word ALBATROSS
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an albatross round your neck
The idiom "an albatross round your neck" refers to a burdensome or troublesome obstacle, problem, or responsibility that one must bear or carry with them. It originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," in which the mariner is forced to wear a dead albatross around his neck as a punishment for killing the bird. Thus, the idiom suggests being weighed down or hindered by something that is difficult to get rid of or escape.
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albatross around neck
The idiom "albatross around neck" refers to a burdensome or troublesome responsibility, problem, or guilt that one cannot escape from, often creating obstacles and hindering progress. It originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," where the main character is forced to wear an albatross carcass around his neck as punishment.
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albatross around (one's) neck
The idiom "albatross around one's neck" refers to a burdensome or hindering responsibility, problem, or guilt that one is constantly burdened or troubled by and finds difficult to get rid of. It signifies a heavy weight or burden that constantly weighs someone down or holds them back, just as an albatross would be a great hindrance if tied around someone's neck.
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albatross (a)round (one's) neck
The idiom "albatross around one's neck" refers to a burdensome or troublesome responsibility or problem that hinders or weighs someone down, similar to a heavy burden. It originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," where a sailor is forced to wear a dead albatross around his neck as a punishment, symbolizing his guilt and torment. Using this idiom suggests that someone is carrying a metaphorical burden or hindrance that is causing difficulty or holding them back.
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albatross around/round your neck
The idiom "albatross around/round your neck" refers to a burdensome or constant problem, responsibility, or guilt that one is unable to escape from, similar to having a heavy and challenging burden tied around their neck, just like an albatross.
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albatross round someone's neck
The idiom "albatross round someone's neck" refers to a burdensome or troublesome obligation, problem, or responsibility that one must bear or carry with them at all times. It originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," where the mariner is forced to wear the dead albatross around his neck as a punishment. The phrase is commonly used to describe a constant source of difficulty or hindrance that weighs someone down.
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an albatross around your neck
The idiom "an albatross around your neck" refers to a burdensome, persistent, and often regrettable situation, problem, or responsibility that is difficult to escape from or get rid of. It originates from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," where an albatross becomes a metaphorical burden for the narrator.
Similar spelling words for ALBATROSS
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