petrel

views updated May 23 2018

pet·rel / ˈpetrəl/ • n. a seabird (order Procellariiformes, esp. families Procellariidae and Hydrobatidae) related to the shearwaters, typically flying far from land.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

petrel

views updated May 14 2018

petrel Any of several small oceanic birds related to the albatross. Most nest in colonies and fly over open water, feeding on squid and small fish. They have webbed feet and tubular nostrils. Length: to 42cm (16in). Order Procellariifarmes.

World Encyclopedia

petrel

views updated May 17 2018

petrel XVII (early vars. pitteral, pittrel). of uncert. orig.

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

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