megapode: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical, Scientific, Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “megapode” mean?
A bird that incubates its eggs using external heat sources (like volcanic ash or decomposing vegetation) instead of its own body heat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bird that incubates its eggs using external heat sources (like volcanic ash or decomposing vegetation) instead of its own body heat.
Any bird belonging to the family Megapodiidae, also known as mound-builders or incubator birds, found in Australasia and parts of Southeast Asia. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe something of unusually large size or scale, though this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Used almost exclusively in ornithological contexts worldwide.
Grammar
How to Use “megapode” in a Sentence
The [ADJECTIVE] megapode builds [NOUN PHRASE].Megapodes are known for [VERB+ING] their eggs.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “megapode” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This species megapodes its eggs in sand dunes.
American English
- The birds megapode their eggs in volcanic soil.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The megapode nesting strategy is unique among birds.
American English
- We studied the megapode behaviour for months.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology, zoology, and ornithology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare, only in specific discussions about unusual birds.
Technical
Standard term in ornithological texts and field guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “megapode”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “megapode”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “megapode”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmɛɡəpoʊd/ with equal stress on all syllables (correct is first syllable stress).
- Confusing it with 'myriapod' (a centipede/millipede).
- Using it as a general adjective meaning 'huge'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not a chicken, though it is a ground-dwelling bird. It belongs to its own distinct family, Megapodiidae.
No, this is not a standard or accepted usage. The word is a specific zoological noun.
They are found in the wild in regions like eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and some islands in the Pacific.
Because many species build large mounds of soil and vegetation to incubate their eggs, which can be several metres wide and high.
A bird that incubates its eggs using external heat sources (like volcanic ash or decomposing vegetation) instead of its own body heat.
Megapode is usually technical, scientific, ornithological in register.
Megapode: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛɡəpəʊd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛɡəpoʊd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MEGA (large) + PODE (from Greek 'pous' meaning foot) → a bird with large feet that builds MEGA-sized mounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly used metaphorically. If used, it might imply something that uses external systems for growth/development rather than internal nurturing.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a megapode's reproduction?