adj
ratite
Ratite (adj) means relating to flightless, fast-running birds whose breastbones lack a keel, in contrast to carinate birds.
adj
1
Relating to flightless, fast-running birds whose breastbones lack a keel, in contrast to carinate birds.
"Against what was probably the general expectation, it became undeniable that New Zealand was indeed the home of huge ratite birds."
— Errol Fuller, Extinct Birds (2000)
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Etymology
From Latin ratis (“raft”) + -ite; ratites (unlike other birds) lack a keel on their sternum, and rafts are vessels that lack keels.
Rhymes for ratite
See all rhymes for ratite →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of ratite?
"ratite" (adj) means relating to flightless, fast-running birds whose breastbones lack a keel, in contrast to carinate birds.
