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swan

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swan

Main Entry:: ¹swan
Pronunciation:: \ˈswän\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural swans
Etymology:: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Middle High German swan and perhaps to Latin sonus sound — more at sound
Date:: before 12th century

1plural also swan : any of various large heavy-bodied long-necked mostly pure white aquatic birds (family Anatidae, especially genus Cygnus) that have webbed feet and are related to but larger than the geese2: one that resembles or is likened to a swan3capitalized : the constellation Cygnus

[swan illustration]

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