eider
1 synonym for eider, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large seaduck that lines its nest with soft down plucked from its own body.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
eiderduck
How to use eider
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a flock of eiders
eider down
nesting eiders
common eider
It is a plain, everyday term used mainly in birdwatching and nature writing.
Etymology
The word traces back to Icelandic æðar, a form of æðr, and most likely reached English through Swedish eider, itself from an older North Germanic root.
Full origin of eider →Frequently asked questions
What kind of bird is an eider?
It is a large seaduck that lines its nest with soft down taken from its own body.
Why is eider down valuable?
The bird plucks fine down from its own body to line its nest, and this is the same soft down traditionally used to fill quilts and bedding.
Is eider the same as eiderduck?
Yes, eiderduck is simply another name for the same bird.
