avian

Everyday

1. To do with birds: «avian flu» is bird flu. tree →
2. (science) Belonging to birds as a group: «avian dinosaurs» means birds, which scientists count as living dinosaurs. tree →
3. Avian is also the name of a Roman writer of animal fables, who put Greek fables into Latin. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons «avian» is the scientific word for bird-related: avian biology, avian eggs, avian flu. Vets who treat birds are avian vets. Latin «avis» means bird; «aviation» (flying) comes from the same root.

Examples

• Avian flu is a disease that spreads among birds. tree →
• Scientists say birds are avian dinosaurs. tree →
• The vet specialises in avian medicine. tree →
• Feathers are an avian feature. tree →
• The zoo has a new avian house full of parrots. tree →
• Avian eggs come in many colours. tree →
• Remarks.--Avian wrote towards the end of the third century, and put into Latin mainly those portions of Babrius which are unparalleled by Phædrus. tree →

Note

Say «AY-vee-un». A formal or scientific word; in everyday talk say «bird». Related: aviary (a big cage for birds), aviation (flying aircraft).