DIPPER Meaning and
Definition
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A dipper refers to a small or medium-sized bird that belongs to the family Cinclidae. These fascinating avian creatures are known for their unique aquatic lifestyle and adaptability to freshwater environments. With a plump body and short legs, dippers are characterized by their waterproof feathers and buoyant nature, allowing them to easily dive and swim effortlessly beneath the water's surface.
These birds are recognized for their distinctive behavior of "dipping" or bobbing incessantly while perched on rocks or branches near flowing streams or rivers. This dipping action is accompanied by their inclination to move their tail up and down, enhancing their balance and stability on slippery surfaces. Dippers primarily feed on invertebrates, such as insects, small fish, or aquatic larvae, which they find by foraging underwater. Their streamlined bodies, coupled with a unique nictitating membrane that protects the eyes while submerged, enable them to efficiently hunt for prey beneath the water.
In terms of appearance, dippers often possess dark plumage, with various species exhibiting shades of brown, grey, or black. Their beak is usually sturdy and slightly downturned, facilitating their ability to capture prey underwater. Dippers are widely distributed across the globe, with species found in Europe, Asia, North and South America. Due to their strong affinity for clean, fast-flowing water bodies, they are regarded as important bio-indicators for water quality within their respective habitats.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DIPPER
Etymology of DIPPER
The word "dipper" has its origins in the Old English word "dyppan", which meant "to immerse or plunge". The noun form "dyppere" referred to a person or object that plunged or dipped into something. Over time, the word evolved into "dipper" and came to be used for different contexts. In the 15th century, "dipper" was commonly used to describe a vessel or bucket used for dipping or hauling liquids, such as a ladle or a large spoon. It later became associated with a constellation called Ursa Major, commonly known as the Big Dipper, due to its resemblance to a ladle or a spoon. Today, "dipper" can be used to refer to various things, such as a person, a tool for dipping, or a celestial object.
Idioms with the word DIPPER
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double-dipper
The idiom "double-dipper" refers to someone who takes advantage of two or more situations or opportunities for personal gain, often in an unfair or unethical manner. It typically describes a person who receives benefits or profits from multiple sources simultaneously, often without disclosing this fact or without following the proper rules or protocol.
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autem dipper
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fanny-dipper
Similar spelling words for DIPPER
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