Definition of ostrich
1a : a swift-footed 2-toed flightless ratite bird (Struthio camelus) of Africa that is the largest of existing birds and often weighs 300 pounds (140 kilograms)b : rheac : leather made from ostrich skin
2 [from the belief that the ostrich when pursued hides its head in the sand and believes itself to be unseen] : one who attempts to avoid danger or difficulty by refusing to face it
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Origin and Etymology of ostrich
Middle English, from Anglo-French ostriz, ostrige, from Vulgar Latin *avis struthio, from Latin avis bird + Late Latin struthio ostrich — more at struthious
First Known Use: 13th century
OSTRICH Defined for English Language Learners
ostrich
playDefinition of ostrich for English Language Learners
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: a very large African bird that runs very fast but cannot fly
OSTRICH Defined for Kids
ostrich
playDefinition of ostrich for Students
: a very large bird of Africa that often weighs as much as 300 pounds (140 kilograms) and runs very fast but cannot fly
Learn More about ostrich
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Spanish Central: Translation of ostrich Nglish: Translation of ostrich for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ostrich for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ostrich
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