hoatzin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “hoatzin” mean?
A tropical, foul-smelling bird native to South America, known for chicks that have claws on their wings.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical, foul-smelling bird native to South America, known for chicks that have claws on their wings.
A specific, primitive bird species (Opisthocomus hoazin) of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, often referred to as the 'stinkbird' due to its manure-like odor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Solely scientific, with no cultural or idiomatic connotations in either variety.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, limited to specialist discussion.
Grammar
How to Use “hoatzin” in a Sentence
the [adjective] hoatzinhoatzin [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The hoatzin's unique digestive system, which involves foregut fermentation, is a key subject of evolutionary biology studies.
Everyday
I saw a picture of a weird bird called a hoatzin; its chicks have little claws on their wings.
Technical
Phylogenetic analysis places the Opisthocomidae, containing only the hoatzin, in an unresolved position within Neoaves.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hoatzin”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hoatzin”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hoatzin”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈhoʊ.æt.ziːn/ (incorrect), /hoʊˈæt.ziːn/ (correct).
- Spelling: 'hoatzine', 'hoatzen'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term known mainly to bird enthusiasts, biologists, and those with an interest in South American wildlife.
It produces a strong, manure-like odour due to its unique digestive system, which uses bacterial fermentation to break down leaves, similar to a cow's stomach.
Adult hoatzins can fly, but they are clumsy and weak fliers, preferring to clamber through branches. Their flight is often brief and laboured.
Despite some superficial resemblance, it is not closely related. Its taxonomic position is unique and still debated, placing it in its own family and order.
A tropical, foul-smelling bird native to South America, known for chicks that have claws on their wings.
Hoatzin is usually technical/scientific in register.
Hoatzin: in British English it is pronounced /həʊˈæt.sɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /hoʊˈæt.sɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HOATZIN saying "HOAT-ZIN!" in a foul-smelling ZINnia patch.
Practice
Quiz
What is a distinctive feature of a juvenile hoatzin?