TERCEL Meaning and
Definition
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Tercel, also spelled tiercel, is a noun that refers to a male falcon, particularly a species of falcon called the peregrine falcon (scientific name: Falco peregrinus). The word "tercel" derives from the Old French term "tiercel," which means "a third." It was given this name because historically, for many species of birds of prey, the female is larger than the male, but in certain raptors such as the peregrine falcon, the male is about a third smaller than the female.
The tercel, being a male falcon, typically possesses great speed, agility, and precision in flight, qualities that characterize the entire species. Peregrine falcons are considered some of the fastest birds in the world, known for their breathtaking hunting dives known as "stoops." Their varied diet of small to medium-sized birds enables them to thrive in diverse habitats, including coastal cliffs, mountains, and urban areas.
The term "tercel" is not exclusive to the peregrine falcon but rather describes any male falcon, regardless of species, size, or behavior. It is used to differentiate between the sexes when discussing falcons and other birds of prey such as hawks and eagles where sexual dimorphism is present. Tercels play a vital role in breeding, sharing the responsibilities of courtship displays, nest building, and providing food for the female and their offspring.
Common Misspellings for TERCEL
- rercel
- fercel
- gercel
- yercel
- 6ercel
- 5ercel
- twrcel
- tsrcel
- tdrcel
- trrcel
- t4rcel
- t3rcel
- teecel
- tedcel
- tefcel
- tetcel
- te5cel
- te4cel
- terxel
Etymology of TERCEL
The word "tercel" has its origin in Old French. It is derived from the Latin word "tertius", which means "third". In falconry, the word "tercel" was used to refer to a male falcon that hatched from the third egg of a clutch. Over time, the term began to be used more broadly to describe any male bird of prey, particularly hawks and falcons.
Similar spelling words for TERCEL
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