Steganopod
/ˈstɛɡənəpɒd/noun
A bird of the former order Steganopodes, traditionally characterized by webbing that connects all four toes.
Did you know?Steganopodes once grouped pelicans, cormorants, gannets, and frigatebirds, whose unusual totipalmate feet have webbing between all four toes.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*teg-
“To cover or conceal; the ancestral root behind words connected with coverings.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
stégō (στέγω)
“To cover, roof, or protect.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
steganós (στεγανός)
“Covered, watertight, or having a roof-like covering.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
poús (πούς), podós (ποδός)
“Foot; the genitive form podós supplied the combining form pod-.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Steganopodes
“A taxonomic group of birds defined by their fully webbed feet; literally, “covered-footed.””
Modern English
English
steganopod
“A member of that former bird group, or relating to it.”
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