pelican

[ pel-i-kuhn ]

noun

1. any of several large, totipalmate, fish-eating birds of the family Pelecanidae, having a large bill with a distensible pouch.
2. a still or retort with two tubes that leave the body from the neck, curve in opposite directions, and reenter the body through the belly.

pelican

/ ˈpɛlɪkən /

noun

1. any aquatic bird of the tropical and warm water family Pelecanidae, such as P. onocrotalus ( white pelican ): order Pelecaniformes. They have a long straight flattened bill, with a distensible pouch for engulfing fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelican¹

before 1000; Middle English pellican, Old English < Late Latin pelicānus, variant of pelecān < Greek pelekā́n

Word History and Origins

Origin of pelican¹

Old English pellican, from Late Latin pelicānus, from Greek pelekān; perhaps related to Greek pelekus axe, perhaps from the shape of the bird's bill; compare Greek pelekas woodpecker

Example Sentences

On the day of the accident, she had illegally parked her car on a pelican crossing before attempting to perform a U-turn.

From BBC

From here, you can make it all the way to Crystal Cove if the tide is low; otherwise, walk on Ocean Boulevard, take a left on Poppy Avenue, take the PCH and head down the paved trail just past Pelican Point Drive, all the way to the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District.

From Los Angeles Times

If you’re not opposed to backtracking 1.7 miles, starting at the Harbor Pelican Deli Mart and Fish Market, 1380 N. Pacific St., gives you a chance to see the sea lions on the same named island across Oceanside Harbor.

From Los Angeles Times

Some Mexican Mafia members held at the maximum-security prison at Pelican Bay accused Estrada of being greedy, witnesses said.

From Los Angeles Times

Prosecutors asserted that Chavez met with Mexican Mafia members at Pelican Bay and San Quentin under the guise of legitimate legal visits to gather support for a move against Estrada.

From Los Angeles Times