meleagrides: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rare (historical/poetic/specialist)Formal, Literary, Archaic, Technical (Ornithology/Classics)
Quick answer
What does “meleagrides” mean?
A rare, archaic or poetic term for guinea fowl, a type of African bird. It is also a term from classical mythology for the sisters of Meleager who were transformed into guinea fowl.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare, archaic or poetic term for guinea fowl, a type of African bird. It is also a term from classical mythology for the sisters of Meleager who were transformed into guinea fowl.
In an extended, rarely used sense, it can refer more broadly to any spotted or speckled bird, alluding to the guinea fowl's plumage. In mythology, it represents figures of metamorphosis and perpetual mourning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference. The word is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Evokes classical education, poetry, or historical zoology.
Frequency
Virtually never used in spoken or everyday written English in either region.
Grammar
How to Use “meleagrides” in a Sentence
The [adjective] Meleagrides [verb]...A flock of Meleagrides...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in classical studies papers or historical ornithology texts.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Rarely used in zoological classification or in detailed mythological commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meleagrides”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meleagrides”
- Misspelling as 'meleagrids' or 'meleagris' (which is a related but different genus).
- Using it as a general term for any poultry.
- Incorrect pluralisation (it is already plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare, archaic, and specialised term used primarily in historical, literary, or classical contexts.
No. While the genus for turkey is *Meleagris*, 'Meleagrides' specifically refers to guinea fowl. Using it for a turkey would be incorrect.
The word is typically used as a plural noun. The hypothetical singular, 'Meleagris', exists but refers to a different bird (turkey). 'Meleagrid' is sometimes used in scientific classification.
To create a poetic, archaic, or learned tone, or to make a direct allusion to the specific Greek myth of Meleager's sisters.
A rare, archaic or poetic term for guinea fowl, a type of African bird. It is also a term from classical mythology for the sisters of Meleager who were transformed into guinea fowl.
Meleagrides is usually formal, literary, archaic, technical (ornithology/classics) in register.
Meleagrides: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmɛlɪˈæɡrɪdiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɛliˈæɡrəˌdiz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MELEAgrides are the MELAncholy (spotted) birds related to the hero MELEAger in myth.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPOTTEDNESS IS GRIEF (from the myth where their tears become the bird's spots).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern referent of the word 'Meleagrides'?