osprey

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun large harmless hawk found worldwide that feeds on fish and builds a bulky nest often occupied for years

Etymology

From Late Middle English ospray, from Anglo-Norman ospriet, from Medieval Latin avis praedae (“bird of prey”), a generic term apparently confused with this specific bird in Old French on its similarity to ossifrage.

In classic literature

Synonyms

fish hawk, fish eagle, sea eagle, Pandion haliaetus

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