Vultures
/ˈvʌltʃərz/noun
Large scavenging birds of prey that feed mainly on carrion.
Did you know?The English word ultimately goes back to Latin *vultur*, a bird so culturally charged that Romans watched vultures in augury, treating their appearance as a message from the gods.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“A root meaning to tear, turn, or twist, often linked by scholars to the bird's ancient name.”
Latin
Latin
vultur
“A vulture, the carrion-eating bird of omen and decay.”
Late Latin
Latin
vulturius
“A vulture.”
Old French
Old French
vautour
“A vulture.”
Middle English
English
vultour
“A vulture.”
Modern English
English
vulture
“A large scavenging bird of prey.”