How Do You Spell BIRDLIME?

Pronunciation: [bˈɜːdla͡ɪm] (IPA)

Birdlime is a sticky substance used to trap birds. Interestingly, the spelling of this word doesn't follow typical English spelling patterns. The "i" in bird is followed by an "l" instead of a consonant or vowel, and the "e" at the end is silent. The pronunciation of birdlime is [ˈbɜrdlaɪm], with the stress on the first syllable. Despite the unusual spelling, birdlime has been used for centuries and is still used by some today for capturing birds.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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BIRDLIME Meaning and Definition

  1. Birdlime is a sticky, gelatinous substance that is used to trap birds. It is made by boiling the bark of certain trees, specifically the holly or mistletoe. Upon boiling, the juice of these plants solidifies into a viscous and adhesive substance. Birdlime has been used by various cultures throughout history as a method of capturing birds for food, sport, or even as pets.

    When applied to twigs, branches, or other surfaces, birdlime acts as a sticky trap, ensnaring unsuspecting birds that come into contact with it. The adhesive nature of birdlime makes it impossible for birds to fly away once they are trapped. It is typically spread on small sticks or rods that are strategically placed in areas where birds are likely to fly or perch, such as tree limbs or feeding grounds.

    Birdlime has been regarded as an effective means of capturing birds due to its tenacious stickiness. However, it has garnered criticism and ethical concerns due to its potentially harmful impact on bird populations and their habitats. As a result, the use of birdlime in trapping birds is illegal in many countries and restricted by conservation laws.

    In a metaphorical sense, the term "birdlime" may also be used figuratively to describe a situation or circumstance that entraps or ensnares someone, limiting their freedom or progress. It can be seen as a metaphor for being caught in a difficult or entangling situation, from which it is challenging to escape.

Common Misspellings for BIRDLIME

Etymology of BIRDLIME

The word "birdlime" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Middle English word "birdlyme", which can be broken down into two parts.

The first part, "bird", refers to the feathered creatures we commonly know as birds. This word can be traced back to the Old English word "brid" or "bridde", which has Germanic roots.

The second part, "lime", refers to a sticky substance that was historically used to trap birds. This word comes from the Old English word "lim", which means "sticky substance" or "slime".

Therefore, when combined, "birdlime" refers to a sticky substance used to trap birds. The term has been in use since at least the 15th century and continues to be used today.

Similar spelling words for BIRDLIME

Plural form of BIRDLIME is BIRDLIMES

Conjugate verb Birdlime

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have birdlimed
you would have birdlimed
he/she/it would have birdlimed
we would have birdlimed
they would have birdlimed
I would have birdlime
you would have birdlime
he/she/it would have birdlime
we would have birdlime
they would have birdlime

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been birdliming
you would have been birdliming
he/she/it would have been birdliming
we would have been birdliming
they would have been birdliming

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would birdlime
you would birdlime
he/she/it would birdlime
we would birdlime
they would birdlime

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be birdliming
you would be birdliming
he/she/it would be birdliming
we would be birdliming
they would be birdliming

FUTURE

I will birdlime
you will birdlime
he/she/it will birdlime
we will birdlime
they will birdlime

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be birdliming
you will be birdliming
he/she/it will be birdliming
we will be birdliming
they will be birdliming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have birdlimed
you will have birdlimed
he/she/it will have birdlimed
we will have birdlimed
they will have birdlimed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been birdliming
you will have been birdliming
he/she/it will have been birdliming
we will have been birdliming
they will have been birdliming

IMPERATIVE

we Let's birdlime
you birdlime
we let´s birdlime

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to birdlime

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was birdliming
you were birdliming
he/she/it was birdliming
we were birdliming
they were birdliming

PAST PARTICIPLE

birdlimed

PAST PERFECT

I had birdlimed
you had birdlimed
he/she/it had birdlimed
we had birdlimed
they had birdlimed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been birdliming
you had been birdliming
he/she/it had been birdliming
we had been birdliming
they had been birdliming

PRESENT

I birdlime
you birdlime
he/she/it birdlimes
we birdlime
they birdlime

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am birdliming
you are birdliming
he/she/it is birdliming
we are birdliming
they are birdliming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

birdliming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have birdlimed
you have birdlimed
he/she/it has birdlimed
we have birdlimed
they have birdlimed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been birdliming
you have been birdliming
he/she/it has been birdliming
we have been birdliming
they have been birdliming

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it birdlime

SIMPLE PAST

I birdlimed
you birdlimed
he/she/it birdlimed
we birdlimed
they birdlimed

Infographic

Correct spelling for birdlime
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