How Do You Spell ALCID?

Pronunciation: [ˈalsɪd] (IPA)

Alcid (/'ælsɪd/) is a word that refers to a bird family that includes auks, puffins, and guillemots. The spelling of this word is based on the scientific name for the family, Alcidae, which comes from the Latin word for auk or diver, alcēdo. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the first syllable is pronounced with the short 'a' vowel sound, followed by the consonants 'l' and 's' pronounced separately. The final syllable is pronounced with the short 'i' vowel sound, followed by the 'd' sound.

ALCID Meaning and Definition

1. The term "alcid" refers to a type of bird belonging to the family Alcidae, which comprises about twenty species commonly known as alcids or auks. These birds are primarily found in the northern hemisphere, particularly in coastal regions of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans. Alcids are medium-sized seabirds known for their unique adaptations for oceanic life.

   Alcids have a compact and streamlined body, with short wings that allow for efficient underwater swimming. They also possess webbed feet, enabling them to be excellent divers, navigating through water to find their prey. Alcids feed mainly on small fish and invertebrates, which they catch by diving in the water and using their agile wings and strong beaks to capture their prey.

   These birds are recognized for their characteristic black and white plumage, often with colorful markings on their bills and legs during the breeding season. Some known species of alcids include the puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. They typically nest in large colonies on cliffsides and lay their eggs in burrows or crevices.

   The term "alcid" can also refer more broadly to any member of the Alcidae family, including extinct species. Alcids play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as indicators of oceanic health and are often studied for their behavior, habitat preferences, and feeding ecology to better understand the marine environment they inhabit.

Etymology of ALCID

The word "alcid" originates from the Latin term "alcidae", which refers to a family of seabirds. The Latin word comes from the Greek word "alkuo", which means "to heal" or "to save". This is because these birds were believed to have healing or saving properties. Over time, "alcidae" evolved into "alcid" and became a name for various species of seabirds within the family Alcidae, including puffins, auks, and murres.

Plural form of ALCID is ALCIDS