Pronunciation: [bˈiːk] (IPA) 
The word "beak" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription /biːk/. The first sound is a long "ee" vowel, represented by the letter combination "ee." The second sound is a hard "k" sound, which is spelled with the letter "k." This word refers to the hard, pointed mouthparts of birds, typically used for grasping and eating food. Its spelling is straightforward and reflects the sounds of the word accurately.
A beak is a prominently elongated, pointed, and curved facial structure that is present in many bird species and other animals. It serves as the primary organ for feeding, communication, and other vital functions. The beak is made up of a strong, horn-like outer layer called the rhamphotheca, which covers the underlying bony structures.
Beaks exhibit considerable variation in shape, size, and function depending on the species and their ecological adaptations. They can be adapted for different modes of feeding, such as grasping, tearing, probing, or crushing. For instance, a bird of prey often has a sharp, hooked beak designed for tearing meat, while a hummingbird's beak is elongated and slender to probe flowers for nectar.
The beak plays a crucial role in a bird's survival. It aids in gathering and manipulating food items, as well as in preening, nest building, and defense. It also acts as a sensory organ, as many birds have highly sensitive nerve endings in their beaks that assist in detecting prey or environmental cues.
Not limited to birds, some other animals like turtles, frogs, and squids also have beak-like structures that serve similar functions. In these cases, the beak is often used for catching and consuming prey or breaking down tough materials.
Overall, the beak is an essential anatomical feature that has evolved over time to suit the specific needs and ecological niches of various animals, enabling them to flourish in their respective habitats.
The bill or nib of a bird; any pointed thing.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "beak" originated from the Middle English word "bekke", which came from the Old English word "bēc" or "bēce". It is believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*bakiz", which translates to "beak" or "mouth". This Proto-Germanic word has roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "*bʰenǵʰ-", meaning "project, protrude". The similar-sounding words in other Germanic languages, such as German "Schnabel" and Dutch "bek", also contribute to the understanding of the etymology of "beak".
