Apteryx
/ˈæp.tə.rɪks/noun
A genus of flightless birds native to New Zealand, including the kiwi.
Did you know?Apteryx comes from Greek roots meaning “without wings,” a classic scientific name that describes the kiwi’s flightless body with almost eerie precision.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
a- + pteryx
““without wings” or “wingless,” from the privative prefix a- and pteryx, “wing””
19th Century
Latinized Scientific Greek
Apteryx
“A genus name coined for the kiwi, a wingless New Zealand bird”
Modern English
English
apteryx
“A kiwi or a member of the genus Apteryx”
Modern English
English
Apteryx
“The standard scientific genus name for kiwi birds”
Explore more surprising origins