Dromas
/ˈdrəʊ.məs/noun
A genus of shorebirds containing the crab-plover, Dromas ardeola.
Did you know?Dromas comes from the same Greek root behind hippodrome and palindrome, all preserving the ancient image of movement or running.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*drem-
“To run or flee; a reconstructed root associated with rapid movement.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δρόμος (drómos)
“A racecourse, running, or a course of movement.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δρομάς (dromás)
“Running or swift; a term applied to something characterized by speed.”
18th Century
New Latin
Dromas
“A zoological genus name formed from Greek dromas, referring to the bird’s movement.”
Modern English
English
Dromas
“The taxonomic genus of the crab-plover.”
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