loon

views updated May 17 2018

loon1 / loōn/ • n. inf. a silly or foolish person.loon2 • n. a large diving waterbird (genus Gavia, family Gaviidae) with a straight pointed bill and short legs set far back under the body. Five species include the common loon (G. immer) of Canada and Eurasia.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

loon

views updated May 17 2018

loon (diver) Diving bird of the Northern Hemisphere, known for its harsh call. It has black, white, and grey plumage. An excellent swimmer, it often stays submerged while fishing. Length: 88cm (35in). Family Gaviidae.

World Encyclopedia

loon

views updated May 11 2018

loon2 name of various aquatic birds. XVII. prob. alt. of loom guillemot, etc. (XVII) — ON. lómr.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

loon

views updated Jun 08 2018

loon1 (chiefly north. and Sc.) rogue, scamp XV; man of low birth or condition; fellow, lad XVI. of unkn. orig.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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