Aegolius

noun

Ae·​go·​li·​us
ē-ˈgō-lē-əs
: a genus of small northern owls including the saw-whet owl

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Latin aegōlios, an owl (Pliny), borrowed from Greek aigōliós, aigṓlios "barn owl"

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Aegolius was in 1862

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Aegolius

Cite this Entry

“Aegolius.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aegolius. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!