ostrich
(Science: zoology) A large bird of the genus struthio, of which Struthio camelus of Africa is the best known species. It has long and very strong legs, adapted for rapid running; only two toes; a long neck, nearly bare of feathers; and short wings incapable of flight. The adult male is about eight feet high.
The south african ostrich (struthio australis) and the Asiatic ostrich are considered distinct species by some authors. Ostriches are now domesticated in south Africa in large numbers for the sake of their plumes. The body of the male is covered with elegant black plumose feathers, while the wings and tail furnish the most valuable white plumes. Ostrich farm, a farm on which ostriches are bred for the sake of their feathers, oil, eggs, etc. Ostrich farming, the occupation of breeding ostriches for the sake of their feathers, etc.
(Science: botany) Ostrich fern a kind of fern (Onoclea Struthiopteris), the tall fronds of which grow in a circle from the rootstock. It is found in alluvial soil in Europe and North America.
Origin: OE. Ostriche, ostrice, OF. Ostruche, ostruce, F. Autruche, L. Avis struthio; avis bird – struthio ostrich, fr. Gr, fr. Bird, sparrow. Cf. Aviary, Struthious Formerly written also estrich.
Dictionary > Ostrich
You will also like...
DNA Structure & DNA Replication
DNA is a double helix structure comprised of nucleotides. A nucleotide, in turn, is made up of phosphate molecule, deoxy..
Stems
Stems primarily provide plants structural support. This tutorial includes lectures on the external form of a woody twig ..
Origins of Life on Earth
Earth was created around 4.5 billion years ago and life began not long after. Primitive life likely possessed the elemen..
Lotic Communities & Animals
A running water environment offers numerous microhabitats for many types of animals. Similar to plants, animals in lotic..
Genetic Control – On and Off Genes
Genes are the blueprint of our bodies, a blueprint that creates a variety of proteins essential to any organism's surviv..
New Zealand’s Unique Flora
If New Zealand has lots of unique animals, it's also got a whole lot of unique plants. Find out more about some of them,..