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