Ornis
/ˈɔːr.nɪs/noun
A Greek word meaning a bird, especially in literary or scientific contexts.
Did you know?In ancient Greek culture, birds were often read as omens and messages from the gods, so the root behind modern ornithology sits inside a world of prophecy and divination.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂or-ni-
“A reconstructed root meaning 'bird' or 'fowl'.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὄρνις (ornis)
“Bird; also used more broadly for a bird-like creature or omen-bearing bird.”
Classical Greek
Greek
ὄρνιθος (ornithos)
“The genitive form used in compounds referring to birds.”
Late Latin
Latin
ornitho-
“A combining form borrowed from Greek for bird-related terms.”
Modern English
English
ornis
“A technical or literary term for a bird, or a bird fauna.”
Explore more surprising origins