Gallinaceous
Adjective
- Of or relating to an order (Galliformes) of heavy-bodied largely terrestrial birds including the pheasants, turkeys, grouse, and the common domestic chicken.
Example Sentences
“The farm’s gallinaceous residents included chickens, turkeys, and a particularly noisy rooster.”
“The wildlife guide helped us distinguish gallinaceous birds from ducks and geese.”
“Her backyard has become a gathering place for all sorts of gallinaceous creatures.”
Word Origin
Latin, late 17th century
Why this word?
“Gallinaceous” is the scientific term for anything related to a chicken, turkey, or other fowls. In Latin, “gallīna” meant “hen” and “gallus” meant “cock,” which etymologists believe may be from an onomatopoeic base of “gal-.” Similar words are found in Celtic, Germanic, and Slavic languages. Basically, the Latin words came from an interpretation of chicken clucking.
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