Alcidae

plural noun

Al·​ci·​dae

ˈal-sə-ˌdē

: a family of diving birds (order Charadriiformes) having short wings and tail, webbed feet, a large head and heavy body, and thick compact plumage, being confined to the northern parts of the northern hemisphere, and including the auks, puffins, guillemots, murres, and related forms

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Alca, type genus + -idae

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

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