EMU Meaning and
Definition
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The emu is a large flightless bird native to Australia. It belongs to the genus Dromaius and is the second-largest living bird by height, surpassed only by the ostrich. The scientific name for the emu is Dromaius novaehollandiae, reflecting its origin in New Holland, the early European name for Australia.
Emus are characterized by their long necks, powerful legs, and distinct tuft of hair-like feathers on their heads. They have brown or grayish-brown feathers that provide effective camouflage in their native habitats. Adult emus can reach a height of up to 6.2 feet (1.9 meters) and weigh around 75 to 120 pounds (34 to 54 kilograms).
These birds are capable of reaching high speeds, with running speeds of up to 30 miles per hour (48 kilometers per hour). Emus are herbivorous and primarily feed on plants, grasses, fruits, and seeds.
Emus are known for their unique reproductive behaviors. Female emus lay large, dark green eggs and leave them in the nest, which is constructed by the male. The male incubates the eggs for approximately eight weeks until they hatch, after which he cares for the chicks for a few months.
Due to their significant size and distinctive appearance, emus are not only a beloved native Australian animal but also play a role in cultural symbolism and folklore. In recent years, they have also gained popularity in agriculture, with some farms raising emus for their meat and oil.
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The ostrich of Australia, unable to fly, but very fleet of foot-also spelt emeu.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for EMU
Etymology of EMU
The word "emu" is derived from the Portuguese term "ema", which was borrowed from the Tupi-Guarani language of indigenous peoples in Brazil. The Tupi-Guarani word originally referred to any large bird, and it specifically referred to the "Rhea" species, which are flightless birds native to South America. When the Europeans discovered the Australian species known today as the emu, they began using the term "emu", as it resembled the large bird they knew as "ema". Thus, the word "emu" was adopted to describe the Australian bird.
Similar spelling words for EMU
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