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ratite
[ rat-ahyt ]
adjective
- having a flat, unkeeled sternum, as an ostrich, cassowary, emu, or moa.
noun
- a bird having a ratite breastbone.
ratite
/ ˈrætaɪt /
adjective
- (of flightless birds) having a breastbone that lacks a keel for the attachment of flight muscles
- of or denoting the flightless birds, formerly classified as a group (the Ratitae ), that have a flat breastbone, feathers lacking vanes, and reduced wings
noun
- a bird, such as an ostrich, kiwi, or rhea, that belongs to this group; a flightless bird
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Word History and Origins
Origin of ratite1
C19: from Latin ratis raft
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Example Sentences
Modern ratite birds seem to be the exception in their ability to handle similar pressures, he says.
From Science News
Like other Ratite birds it will take to the water, and examples have been seen voluntarily swimming a wide river.
From Project Gutenberg
Lastly must be noted the extinct tall Ratite species of Aepyornis with its several fancy genera.
From Project Gutenberg
The arrangement bears a great resemblance to that of Ratite birds.
From Project Gutenberg
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