Main Entry: cor·mo·rant

Pronunciation: \ˈkȯrm-rənt, ˈkȯr-mə-, ˈkȯr-mə-ˌrant\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English cormeraunt, from Middle French cormorant, from Old French cormareng, from corp raven + marenc of the sea, from Latin marinus — more at corbel, marine

Date: 14th century

1 : any of various dark-colored web-footed water birds (family Phalacrocoracidae, especially genus Phalacrocorax) that have a long neck, hooked bill, and distensible throat pouch
2 : a gluttonous, greedy, or rapacious person

[cormorant illustration]