eider

[ ahy-der ]

noun

1. eider duck.
2. eiderdown.

eider

/ ˈaɪdə /

noun

1. any of several sea ducks of the genus Somateria, esp S. mollissima, and related genera, which occur in the N hemisphere. The male has black and white plumage, and the female is the source of eiderdown

Word History and Origins

Origin of eider¹

1735–45; < Icelandic æthar (in 18th century spelled ædar ), genitive singular of æthur eider duck, in phrase ædar dūnn down of the eider duck; spelling eider < German or Swedish

Word History and Origins

Origin of eider¹

C18: from Old Norse æthr; related to Swedish ejder, Dutch, German Eider

Example Sentences

Zeal had undressed, extended himself on the bed, and covered his body with an eider-down quilt.

From Project Gutenberg

The judges sat in their armchairs, with their heads propped up by eider-down cushions, because they had so much to think about.

From Project Gutenberg

It was winter, and snow was on the ground; white and sparkling, and as light as eider-down.

From Project Gutenberg

"Meany, meany," called Judy after her friend, who had seized her gray eider-down cape and was fleeing down the hall.

From Project Gutenberg

The Eider route is the old one, but he hoped to get rid of some of his apples at Tnning, the town at its mouth.

From Project Gutenberg