cere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Very RareSpecialized (Ornithology, Falconry)
Quick answer
What does “cere” mean?
A waxy, fleshy, often brightly coloured covering at the base of the upper beak in birds such as parrots, pigeons, and raptors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A waxy, fleshy, often brightly coloured covering at the base of the upper beak in birds such as parrots, pigeons, and raptors.
In falconry, the condition or colour of the cere can indicate the health, sex, or maturity of a bird.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The term is identical in both varieties within scientific and specialist contexts.
Connotations
Purely scientific/technical; no additional connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language. Used only by ornithologists, veterinarians, falconers, and serious bird enthusiasts.
Grammar
How to Use “cere” in a Sentence
The [noun: bird] has a [adjective: colour/condition] cere.The [noun: vet/falconer] examined the cere.The cere was [adjective: swollen/discoloured].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cere” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cere colouration is a key indicator.
- He noted the cere morphology.
American English
- Cere coloration is a key indicator.
- She noted the cere morphology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in ornithological and zoological papers, veterinary texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An everyday speaker would say 'the bird's beak/nose area'.
Technical
Core term in ornithology, avian veterinary medicine, and falconry for describing bird anatomy and health indicators.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cere”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cere”
- Pronouncing it as /si:r/ or /keər/.
- Using it to refer to any animal's nose.
- Misspelling as 'seer' or 'sear'.
- Using it as a verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized term used almost exclusively in ornithology, bird-keeping, and falconry.
No, in modern English, 'cere' is exclusively a noun referring to a bird's anatomy. The rare, obsolete verb 'to cere' meant to wrap in a cerecloth (waxed cloth).
It is pronounced identically to 'sear' (/sɪər/ in RP, /sɪr/ in GenAm).
Parrots, pigeons, doves, birds of prey (eagles, hawks, falcons), and some others. Most songbirds (like robins or sparrows) do not have a prominent cere.
A waxy, fleshy, often brightly coloured covering at the base of the upper beak in birds such as parrots, pigeons, and raptors.
Cere is usually specialized (ornithology, falconry) in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CERE is the soft CERamic at the base of the bird's EAGLE (or other bird) beak.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE - The term is a concrete, technical noun for a body part.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'cere'?