Trogonid
/ˈtrɒɡənɪd/noun
A bird belonging to the family Trogonidae, which includes trogons and quetzals.
Did you know?The family name ultimately comes from Ancient Greek τρώγων, “gnawing” or “eating,” describing the birds’ feeding rather than any supernatural trait.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*trog-
“A reconstructed root associated with gnawing or eating; its exact reconstruction and scope are debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
τρώγω (trṓgō)
“I gnaw, nibble, or eat.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
τρώγων (trṓgōn)
“Gnawing or eating; a present participle used in zoological naming.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Trogon
“The genus name established for the trogon birds, based on the Greek eating-related word.”
19th Century
Scientific Latin
Trogonidae
“The taxonomic family containing the trogons and related birds.”
Modern English
English
trogonid
“A member of the bird family Trogonidae.”
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