wryneck

noun

wry·​neck ˈrī-ˌnek How to pronounce wryneck (audio)
1
: either of two Old World woodpeckers (Jynx torquilla or J. ruficollis) that differ from the typical woodpeckers in having soft tail feathers and a peculiar manner of writhing the neck
2

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wryneck was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near wryneck

Cite this Entry

“Wryneck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wryneck. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

wryneck

noun
wry·​neck ˈrī-ˌnek How to pronounce wryneck (audio)

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