Main Entry: phal·a·rope

Pronunciation: \ˈfa-lə-ˌrōp\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural phal·a·ropes also phal·a·rope

Etymology: French, from New Latin phalaropod-, phalaropus, from Greek phalaris coot + pod-, pous foot; akin to Greek phalios having a white spot — more at bald, foot

Date: circa 1776

: any of a genus (Phalaropus) of small shorebirds related to sandpipers but distinguished by their lobed toes and preference for swimming