Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

Aegithinidae

plural noun
Save Word
Ae·​gi·​thin·​i·​dae | \ ˌē-jə-ˈthi-nə-ˌdē \

Definition of Aegithinidae

: a family of brightly colored passerine birds of southern Asia that have stocky legs and curved bills and feed on fruits or insects — see irena

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of Aegithinidae

1879, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Aegithinidae

borrowed from New Latin, from Aegithina, genus of birds comprising the ioras (from Greek aígithos, aíginthos “small passerine bird, titmouse” + New Latin -ina -ina entry 1) + -idae -idae

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about Aegithinidae

Time Traveler for Aegithinidae

Time Traveler

The first known use of Aegithinidae was in 1879

See more words from the same year

Statistics for Aegithinidae

Cite this Entry

“Aegithinidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aegithinidae. Accessed 18 Jan. 2021.

Comments on Aegithinidae

What made you want to look up Aegithinidae? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

preeminent

Listen to the pronunciation of preeminent

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Words of Snow and Ice Quiz

  • image1037863653
  • Which of the following refers to thin, bending ice, or to the act of running over such ice?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games