Major Mitchell

noun

1. an Australian cockatoo, Kakatoe leadbeateri, with a white-and-pink plumage Also calledLeadbeater's cockatoo

Word History and Origins

Origin of Major Mitchell¹

C19: named after Major (later Sir) Thomas Mitchell (1792–1855), Scots-born Australian explorer

Example Sentences

A Major Mitchell cockatoo, thought to be the oldest bird of its kind in captivity, has died at a US zoo.

From BBC

The Chicago Zoological Society operates the zoo and it announced the death of the Major Mitchell’s cockatoo in a statement Monday.

From Washington Times

According to Major Mitchell’s defense, the boy “had received an injury of the head, in the consequence of a fall while quite young, whereby the portion of the brain called, by Phrenologists, the organ of Destructiveness, was preternaturally enlarged and a destructive disposition excited.”

From Slate

And if Major Mitchell’s assault on his classmate resulted from earlier damage to his “organ of Destructiveness,” then he could not be held legally responsible for that assault.

From Slate

Major Mitchell’s story cautions against overlooking neuroscience’s limitations, as well as its ability to be exploited for suspect purposes.

From Slate