SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

Cathartes

noun
Save Word
Ca·​thar·​tes | \ -t(ˌ)ēz \

Definition of Cathartes

: the type genus of Cathartidae comprising the New World turkey vultures and related extinct birds

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!

History and Etymology for Cathartes

New Latin, from Greek kathartēs cleanser, from kathairein to clean

Learn More About Cathartes

Dictionary Entries Near Cathartes

Cathartae

Cathartes

cathartic

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for Cathartes

Cite this Entry

“Cathartes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cathartes. Accessed 28 Jun. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

fulsome

Listen to the pronunciation of fulsome

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks

  • image1926873504
  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

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