ibis
C1Formal, Technical (Zoology/Ornithology)
Definition
Meaning
A large, long-legged wading bird with a long, downcurved bill, typically living in warm climates and often having white or brightly coloured plumage.
Sometimes used as a symbol in heraldry or as a cultural icon (e.g., the sacred ibis in ancient Egypt). Can refer figuratively to characteristics associated with the bird, such as elegance or a distinctive curved shape.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to birds of the family Threskiornithidae. While most commonly a noun, it is rarely used attributively (e.g., 'ibis feathers'). The plural is 'ibises' or, less commonly, 'ibis'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Pronunciation differs (see IPA). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
In both varieties, primary connotation is ornithological. May evoke imagery of wetlands, Africa, Egypt, or Australia.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily appearing in nature contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [adjective] ibis [verb].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused. May appear in tourism or wildlife conservation business names (e.g., 'Ibis Hotels').
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, ornithological, and ecological texts.
Everyday
Rare. Used when discussing birds, wildlife documentaries, or travel to relevant regions.
Technical
Standard term in ornithology for species within the genera *Threskiornis*, *Eudocimus*, etc.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The vase had an ibis-like silhouette.
American English
- He admired the ibis-shaped ornament.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw a big white bird at the zoo called an ibis.
- The ibis uses its long, curved beak to find food in the mud.
- Conservationists are concerned about the declining ibis population in the wetlands.
- The scarlet ibis, with its vivid crimson plumage, is one of the most striking members of the Threskiornithidae family.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an IBIS has an 'I'-shaped body on long legs, and its bill is like a curved 'S' at the end: I-Bi-S.
Conceptual Metaphor
CURVATURE/SHAPE: 'The handle of the vase had the elegant curve of an ibis's bill.'
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как 'ибис' без контекста, если речь не идёт о птице. Это узкоспециальное слово.
- Не путайте с другими птицами с длинными ногами: аист (stork), цапля (heron).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'ibix' or 'ibise'.
- Incorrect pluralisation (e.g., 'ibisis').
- Confusing it with similar-looking birds like storks or herons.
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary characteristic of an ibis?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard plural is 'ibises'. The form 'ibis' is also sometimes used as an invariant plural.
No. While both are long-legged wading birds, they belong to different families. Ibises have characteristically long, curved bills, while storks have larger, heavier, and usually straighter bills.
Ibises are found in warm regions across the world, including wetlands in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia.
The African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) was revered and often mummified in Ancient Egypt, associated with the god Thoth, the deity of wisdom and writing.