How Do You Spell EAR COVERT?

Pronunciation: [ˈi͡ə kə͡ʊvˈɜːt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ear covert" is a bit tricky as it does not follow the usual English spelling rules. The word is pronounced /ɪr ˈkʌvərt/ and refers to the small feathers covering a bird's ear opening. The "ear" part is spelled with an "e" and not an "a" because it comes from the Old English word "ēare" which meant ear. The "covert" part is spelled with an "o" instead of an "a" because it comes from the Latin word "cooperire" meaning to cover.

EAR COVERT Meaning and Definition

1. Ear covert refers to a small, usually triangular or elliptical, scale-like structure that covers or protects the external opening of an animal's ear, particularly in birds and reptiles. This specialized anatomical feature is located on the side of the head, adjacent to the ear, and is typically found in species where auditory sensitivity and protection are important.

   In birds, ear coverts are feathery scales that serve as a protective covering for the external ear opening. They are often colored or patterned differently from the surrounding feathers, aiding in camouflage and species recognition. These structures play a crucial role in reducing wind noise and preventing dust or debris from entering the ear canal, thereby ensuring enhanced sound perception and auditory acuity.

   Similarly, in reptiles such as snakes and lizards, ear coverts are small scales surrounding the external auditory openings. While these structures serve to protect the ear from potential damage and provide a degree of insulation against environmental factors, their function may also extend to thermoregulation and communication, as they can display various colors and patterns.

   Overall, ear coverts play a vital role in providing protection, improving auditory perception, and contributing to specific functions in avian and reptilian species.

Common Misspellings for EAR COVERT

• war covert
• sar covert
• dar covert
• rar covert
• 4ar covert
• 3ar covert
• ezr covert
• esr covert
• ewr covert
• eqr covert
• eae covert
• ead covert
• eaf covert
• eat covert
• ea5 covert
• ea4 covert
• ear xovert
• ear vovert
• ear fovert
• ear dovert

Etymology of EAR COVERT

The word "ear covert" has its etymological roots in the Middle English language.

The term "ear" comes from the Old English word "ēare", which means "ear". It has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning and pronunciation over the centuries.

The word "covert" comes from the Old French word "covert", which means "hidden" or "sheltered". It is derived from the Latin word "cooperire", which means "to cover". In English, "covert" originally referred to a thick cover of foliage or trees, providing shelter or concealment.

When combined, "ear covert" refers to the part of an animal's head, particularly a bird or mammal, that covers or protects the ear. It can also be used to describe the feathers or fur that cover the ears.

Plural form of EAR COVERT is EAR COVERTS