accipitrine

[ ak-sip-i-trin, -trahyn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the family Accipitridae, comprising the hawks, Old World vultures, kites, harriers, and eagles.
2. raptorial; like or related to the birds of prey.

Word History and Origins

Origin of accipitrine¹

1830–40; < Latin accipitr- ( accipitral ) + -ine ¹

Example Sentences

This is the case among the accipitrine birds for example, and thereby it differs entirely from that of the owls, which develop neither pre-plumulae nor adult down.

From Project Gutenberg

He had a long, accipitrine nose which imbedded itself in his bristling white mustache, and he spoke in crisp staccato notes as though each intonation and breath were carefully measured by their monetary value.

From Project Gutenberg

They halted beneath a half-dead oak, hollow, and disfigured with white tumors, its roots spreading out like accipitrine claws grasping the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

Ah, for a heart less native to high Heaven, A hooded eye, for jesses and restraint, Or for a will accipitrine to pursue!

From Project Gutenberg