Parakeets

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of small to medium-sized birds commonly kept as companions, noted for their bright feathers and playful demeanor; These avian pets are highly interactive, frequently mimicking human speech and sounds; Belonging to the family Psittaculidae, they are known for their social nature and elongated tails
2. Small parrots characterized by vivid plumage and long tail feathers, popular for companionship and lively behavior
3. Birds known for their bright coloring and sociable habits, frequently found in domestic settings as cheerful pets

Etymology: "Parakeets" is the plural of "parakeet", a word that traces back to a pet name. In Middle French, "perroquet" was the general term for parrots, and it is probably a diminutive of "Pierre", the personal name Peter, much as "Jack" or "Dick" became generic names for ordinary fellows. Parrots were so often called after a familiar human name that the name itself became the word for the bird. The English form "parakeet" reflects variant spellings that may have been shaped by other languages. Some forms are perhaps linked to the Italian "parrocchetto" or the Spanish "periquito", both referring to small parrots, so the English spelling likely passed through more than one tongue before settling into its current shape.

Synonyms: parrots