Cere
/sɪər/noun
A waxy membrane at the base of a bird’s bill, or to cover something with wax.
Did you know?A bird’s cere can reveal sex, age, health, and breeding condition, and in some species its color changes dramatically during the reproductive cycle.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κῆρος (kēros)
“Wax; the ultimate source commonly proposed for the Latin word, though the deeper origin is uncertain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
cēra
“Wax; beeswax or a wax-coated writing tablet.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
cerare
“To cover or seal with wax.”
15th Century
English
cere
“To coat with wax or prepare with a waxy substance.”
17th Century
English
cere
“The waxy area at the base of a bird’s bill.”
Modern English
English
cere
“A bird’s waxy bill membrane, or the verb meaning to wax or seal.”
Explore more surprising origins