Gallinaceous
/ˌɡælɪˈneɪʃəs/noun
Relating to domestic fowl and other birds of the order Galliformes, such as chickens, turkeys, and pheasants.
Did you know?The ultimate origin of Latin gallus, meaning “rooster,” is uncertain; some scholars have proposed that it may be an ancient sound-symbolic imitation of a cockcrow.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
gallus
“Rooster or cock; the ultimate origin is uncertain, possibly sound-symbolic.”
Classical Latin
Latin
gallina
“Hen; the feminine counterpart of gallus.”
Late Latin
Latin
gallinaceus
“Of or belonging to hens or domestic fowl.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
gallinaceus
“A zoological adjective referring to henlike birds.”
17th Century
English
gallinaceous
“Relating to hens or chicken-like birds; adopted as a learned scientific term.”
Modern English
English
gallinaceous
“Relating to galliform birds, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, and grouse.”