coly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowScientific/Technical
Quick answer
What does “coly” mean?
A small African bird of the genus Colius, also known as a mousebird.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small African bird of the genus Colius, also known as a mousebird.
Any bird belonging to the family Coliidae, characterized by soft, hair-like feathers, a long tail, and a crest.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences; term is equally obscure in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, purely technical/zoological.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language, used only by specialists.
Grammar
How to Use “coly” in a Sentence
[coly] + [verb: perched, fed, scurried]the [adjective] colyVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in zoology/ornithology papers and field guides.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Standard term for birds in family Coliidae.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coly”
- Misspelling as 'collie' or 'colley'. Using it as a general term for any small bird.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialized ornithological term.
There is no difference; 'coly' and 'mousebird' are synonyms for birds in the family Coliidae.
They are native to sub-Saharan Africa.
It would likely not be understood unless speaking to a bird enthusiast or ornithologist.
A small African bird of the genus Colius, also known as a mousebird.
Coly is usually scientific/technical in register.
Coly: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"COLY" sounds like "cozy," which fits this small, fluffy bird that often huddles with others for warmth.
Conceptual Metaphor
None in common use.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'coly'?