lammergeier

or lam·mer·gey·er, lam·mer·geir

[ lam-er-gahy-er, -gahyuhr ]

noun

1. the largest Eurasian bird of prey, Gypaëtus barbatus, ranging in the mountains from southern Europe to China, having a wingspread of 9 to 10 feet (2.7 to 3 meters) and black feathers hanging from below the bill like a mustache.

lammergeier

/ ˈlæməˌɡaɪə /

noun

1. a rare vulture, Gypaetus barbatus, of S Europe, Africa, and Asia, with dark wings, a pale breast, and black feathers around the bill: family Accipitridae (hawks) Also calledbearded vulture (archaic)ossifrage

Word History and Origins

Origin of lammergeier¹

1810–20; < German Lämmergeier literally, lambs' vulture (from its preying on lambs), equivalent to Lämmer, plural of Lamm lamb + Geier vulture (cognate with Dutch gier )

Word History and Origins

Origin of lammergeier¹

C19: from German Lämmergeier, from Lämmer lambs + Geier vulture

Example Sentences

The lammergeier (Gypatus barbatus) had almost become extinct in 1900; but several varieties of eagle and falcon are left.

From Project Gutenberg

The plumage of the lammergeier is grayish brown above and nearly white below.

From Project Gutenberg

A lammergeier swooped down on wide funereal wings; it peered at us; darted away toward the cliffs.

From Project Gutenberg

A black speck appeared high in the sky; grew fast—the lammergeier.

From Project Gutenberg