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Webster 1913 Edition

Ptarmigan

Ptar′mi-gan

,
Noun.
[Gael.
tarmachan
; cf. Ir.
tarmochan
,
tarmonach
.]
(Zool.)
Any grouse of the genus
Lagopus
, of which numerous species are known. The feet are completely feathered. Most of the species are brown in summer, but turn white, or nearly white, in winter.
☞ They chiefly inhabit the northern countries and high mountains of Europe, Asia, and America. The common European species is
Lagopus mutus
. The Scotch grouse, red grouse, or moor fowl (
Lagopus Scoticus
), is reddish brown, and does not turn white in winter. The white, or willow, ptarmigan (
Lagopus albus
) is found in both Europe and America.

Webster 1828 Edition

Ptarmigan

PT`ARMIGAN

,
Noun.
A fowl of the genus Tetrao,the lagopus or white game. The color of the plumage is a pale brown or ash, elegantly crossed or mottled with dusky spots and minute bars; the belly and wings are white. This fowl is seen on the summits of mountains in the north of England and of Scotland.

Definition 2024

ptarmigan

ptarmigan

English

Noun

ptarmigan ‎(plural ptarmigan or ptarmigans)

  1. Any of three species of small grouse in the genus Lagopus found in subarctic tundra areas of North America and Eurasia.

Synonyms

  • (species of small grouse): lagopus (obsolete)

Derived terms

Translations

Etymology

From Scottish Gaelic tàrmachan. The pt- comes from a mistaken Greek construction.

Pronunciation

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