seriema: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Zoology/Ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “seriema” mean?
A long-legged, terrestrial bird native to South America, belonging to the family Cariamidae, resembling a cross between a crane and a secretary bird.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long-legged, terrestrial bird native to South America, belonging to the family Cariamidae, resembling a cross between a crane and a secretary bird.
A term used to refer specifically to either of the two species within the family Cariamidae: the Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) or the Black-legged Seriema (Chunga burmeisteri).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both refer to the same bird family.
Connotations
None beyond the ornithological referent.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “seriema” in a Sentence
The [adjective] seriema [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seriema” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The seriema population in the region is stable.
American English
- We studied seriema behavior for three years.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological, zoological, and ecological papers discussing South American avifauna.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only used by birdwatchers, in nature documentaries, or in regions where the bird is native.
Technical
The primary context. Used in scientific classification, field guides, and conservation literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “seriema”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “seriema”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seriema”
- Mispronouncing it as /səˈriːmə/ or /ˈsɛriəmə/.
- Confusing it with the similar-sounding but unrelated 'seraphim'.
- Using it as a common noun outside of ornithological contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are not closely related, despite a superficial resemblance. Seriemas belong to their own distinct order (Cariamiformes).
Yes, but they are poor fliers and prefer to run. They usually fly only to escape immediate danger or to roost in trees.
The name comes from the Tupi (indigenous Brazilian language) word "siriema," meaning "crested."
Almost exclusively in specialist contexts: ornithology books, birdwatching guides, nature documentaries about South America, or zoological journals.
A long-legged, terrestrial bird native to South America, belonging to the family Cariamidae, resembling a cross between a crane and a secretary bird.
Seriema is usually formal, technical (zoology/ornithology) in register.
Seriema: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɛrɪˈiːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɛriˈeɪmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a serious bird named EMA: the Serious EMA (Seri-EMA) struts on the South American plains.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A
Practice
Quiz
What is a seriema?