Ulula
/ˈuː.lə.lə/noun
A taxonomic name derived from Latin for a screech owl, used in zoological classification.
Did you know?Latin ulula was associated with the owl’s shriek, while the related verb ululare meant “to howl” or “wail,” sounds Romans connected with omens and the supernatural.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European or prehistoric expressive formation
PIE
*ul- / *ōl-
“A proposed sound-symbolic formation imitating a howl, cry, or owl-like call; the reconstruction is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὀλολύζω (ololýzō)
“To cry out or howl, especially in a ritual or lamenting cry.”
Classical Latin
Latin
ulula
“A screech owl or little owl.”
Classical Latin
Latin
ululare
“To howl, wail, or cry like an animal.”
18th–19th Century
Scientific Latin
Ulula
“A taxonomic genus name formed from the Latin word for a screech owl.”
Modern English
English
Ulula
“A zoological proper name used in biological classification, especially in historical or taxonomic contexts.”