aracari: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “aracari” mean?
A small to medium-sized toucan of the genus Pteroglossus, native to Central and South America, characterized by a serrated bill and often colorful plumage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small to medium-sized toucan of the genus Pteroglossus, native to Central and South America, characterized by a serrated bill and often colorful plumage.
In ornithology, any bird of the genus Pteroglossus, which is part of the toucan family (Ramphastidae). The term is used specifically to distinguish these smaller, slender-billed toucans from the larger, more iconic species like the toco toucan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
None beyond the technical/ornithological reference.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “aracari” in a Sentence
The [adjective] aracari [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in biological and zoological papers, field guides, and taxonomy.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use: ornithology, birdwatching, zoology, wildlife documentaries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aracari”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aracari”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aracari”
- Misspelling: 'aracari' vs. 'aracary' or 'aracari'.
- Mispronunciation: placing stress on the first syllable ('AR-a-cari') instead of the third ('ar-a-CAR-i').
- Using it as a general term for any toucan.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but more specifically. All aracaris are toucans (family Ramphastidae), but they belong to the genus Pteroglossus, which are generally smaller and have more slender, serrated bills compared to the larger toco toucan.
The standard pronunciation is /ˌær.əˈsɑː.ri/ (UK) or /ˌɑːr.əˈsɑː.ri/ (US), with the primary stress on the third syllable: 'ar-a-CAR-i'.
It is highly unlikely. The word is a technical term from ornithology. In everyday conversation, you would simply say 'a type of small toucan'.
It derives from Portuguese 'araçari', which in turn comes from Tupi (an indigenous Brazilian language).
A small to medium-sized toucan of the genus Pteroglossus, native to Central and South America, characterized by a serrated bill and often colorful plumage.
Aracari is usually technical/scientific in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ARAbian sheikh riding a taxi (CARI) with a giant, colorful toucan bill sticking out the window. 'Ara-cari' = the exotic bird in the taxi.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable; the term is a literal biological classification.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'aracari'?