decurved

[ dee-kurvd ]

adjective

1. curved downward, as the bill of a bird.

decurved

/ diːˈkɜːvd /

adjective

1. bent or curved downwards

   decurved petals

   a decurved bill

Word History and Origins

Origin of decurved¹

First recorded in 1825–35; de- + curved ( def )

Example Sentences

In Minnesota, Dudley Edmondson, a photographer and author of “The Black & Brown Faces in America’s Wild Places,” cited the Cape May warbler — with its decurved bill and striped breast — as that special bird of spring.

From New York Times

Involucral leaves 2; perianth dorsally compressed, the mouth truncate, bilabiate, decurved.

From Project Gutenberg

In front of the brain cavity, the great tubular nasal cavities are provided with well-developed turbinal bones, and are roofed over by large nasals, broad behind, and ending in front in a narrow decurved point.

From Project Gutenberg

Bill much shorter than head, depressed towards nail, which is elliptical and decurved at tip; lamellæ hidden; nostrils near middle of bill.

From Project Gutenberg

Bill slender and much decurved; tail usually pointed and stiffened.

From Project Gutenberg