Ostrichlike

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having traits or features that are similar to an ostrich, particularly in size, appearance, or behavioral characteristics
2. Displaying attributes reminiscent of an ostrich, especially regarding movement and physical traits
3. Exhibiting characteristics or qualities that remind one of an ostrich, including shape and mannerisms

Etymology: "Ostrichlike" is a plain compound: "ostrich" joined to the suffix "-like," which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "resembling" or "having the characteristics of" that noun. The suffix comes from Old English "-lic," a form of "līc," meaning "body" or "form," which is also the source of "-ly" in words such as "friendly" and "lovely." Attaching "-like" to a noun to describe resemblance is one of English's most productive patterns, so "ostrichlike" follows the same route as "birdlike" or "catlike." The base word "ostrich" comes from Old French "ostruce," which is a descendant of Latin "struthio," itself borrowed from Greek "strouthion." The Latin and Greek word for the bird is the ancestor of the English one, so the bird's name was passed through several languages before "ostrich" appeared in English.

Synonyms: birdlike