thick-knee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “thick-knee” mean?
A type of bird in the family Burhinidae, also known as stone-curlew, characterized by large eyes, long legs, and a stout bill.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of bird in the family Burhinidae, also known as stone-curlew, characterized by large eyes, long legs, and a stout bill.
The term can be used metaphorically to describe someone with unusually large or prominent knees, though this is rare and informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used in both varieties but is more common in British ornithological texts. The alternative name 'stone-curlew' is preferred in the UK, while 'thick-knee' may be slightly more common in American field guides.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. No significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Higher frequency in specialized birdwatching/zoology contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “thick-knee” in a Sentence
The [adjective] thick-knee [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, ecology, and ornithology papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Likely only among birdwatchers.
Technical
Standard term in field guides and taxonomic descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thick-knee”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thick-knee”
- Misspelling as 'thicknee' or 'thick knee' (without hyphen).
- Confusing it with a description of a person's anatomy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency technical term used primarily in ornithology and birdwatching.
Not in standard usage. The adjective 'thick-kneed' could informally describe a person, but the noun 'thick-knee' almost exclusively refers to the bird.
They are different bird families. Thick-knees (Burhinidae) are often called stone-curlews but are not true curlews (Scolopacidae). They have larger eyes and are more terrestrial.
The name refers to the bird's conspicuously enlarged tibiotarsal joint, which resembles a thickened 'knee'.
A type of bird in the family Burhinidae, also known as stone-curlew, characterized by large eyes, long legs, and a stout bill.
Thick-knee is usually technical/ornithological in register.
Thick-knee: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθɪk niː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɪk ˌni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Thick' knees for a bird with strong, stout leg joints.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY PART FOR THE WHOLE (Pars pro toto): Naming the bird by a characteristic of its leg.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'thick-knee'?