Razorbills

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of seabird belonging to the auk family, known for its distinctive black and white plumage and sharp, pointed bill
2. A marine bird characterized by its diving ability and preference for cold coastal waters, often seen in large colonies
3. An aquatic avian species recognized for its striking appearance and behavior, primarily feeding on fish and other marine organisms

Etymology: "Razorbills" is the plural of "razorbill," a seabird of the auk family. The name describes its most distinctive feature. The bill is deep and flattened from side to side, with a thin white band across it, so it looks like a blade. The first half comes from "razor," which passed through Old French "rasor" from medieval Latin "rasorium," and ultimately from Latin "radere," meaning "to scrape." The second half is the ordinary English "bill," meaning beak. The compound is transparent, so the name tells you what the bird looks like rather than where it lives or what it sounds like.