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bittern

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bitterns

Main Entry:: ¹bit·tern
Pronunciation:: \ˈbi-tərn\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English bitoure, from Anglo-French butor, from Vulgar Latin *butitaurus, from Latin buteo hawk + taurus bull
Date:: 1515

: any of various small or medium-sized usually secretive herons (especially genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus)

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