flamingo definition

Origin: Sp. Flamenco, cf. Pg. Flamingo, Prov. Flammant, F. Flamant; prop. A p.pr. Meaning flaming. So called in allusion to its colour. See Flame.

<zoology> Any bird of the genus Phoenicopterus. The flamingoes have webbed feet, very long legs, and a beak bent down as if broken. Their colour is usually red or pink. The American flamingo is P. Ruber; the European is P. Antiquorum.

(01 Mar 1998)