Main Entry: tern

Pronunciation: \ˈtərn\

Function: noun

Etymology: of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan terne tern

Date: 1678

: any of various chiefly marine birds (subfamily Sterninae of the family Laridae and especially genus Sterna) that differ from the related gulls in usually smaller size, a more slender build, a sharply pointed bill, narrower wings, and an often forked tail

[tern illustration]