martin

¹

[ mahr-tn ]

noun

1. any of several swallows having a deeply forked tail and long, pointed wings.

Martin

²

[ mahr-tn ]

noun

1. Ar·cher John Porter [ahr, -cher], 1910–2002, English biochemist: Nobel Prize in chemistry 1952.
2. Frank, 1890–1974, Swiss composer.
3. Glenn Luther, 1886–1955, U.S. airplane designer and manufacturer.
4. Homer Dodge, 1836–97, U.S. painter.
5. Joseph W(illiam) Jr., 1884–1968, U.S. political leader and publisher: Speaker of the House 1947–49, 1953–55.
6. Mary, 1913–90, U.S. actress and musical comedy star.
7. Saint, a.d. 316?–397, French prelate: bishop of Tours 370?–397.
8. a male given name: from the name of the Roman god Mars.

Martin

¹

/ ˈmɑːtɪn /

noun

1. MartinArcher John Porter19102002MBritishSCIENCE: chemist Archer John Porter. 1910–2002, British biochemist; Nobel prize for chemistry 1952 (with Richard Synge; 1914–94) for developing paper chromatography (1944). He subsequently developed gas chromatography (1953)
2. MartinChris1977MBritishMUSIC: rock musician Chris(topher Anthony John) . born 1977, British rock musician, lead singer of Coldplay; married to the US actress Gwyneth Paltrow.
3. martɛ̃ MartinFrank18901974MSwissMUSIC: composer Frank. 1890–1974, Swiss composer. He used a modified form of the twelve-note technique in some of his works, which include Petite Symphonie Concertante (1946) and the oratorio Golgotha (1949)
4. MartinSir George (Henry)1926MBritishMUSIC: record producer Sir George ( Henry ). born 1926, British record producer and arranger, noted for his work with the Beatles
5. MartinJohn17891854MBritishARTS AND CRAFTS: painter John. 1789–1854, British painter, noted for his visionary landscapes and large-scale works with biblical subjects
6. MartinMichael (John)1945MScottishPOLITICS: politician Michael ( John ). Baron. born 1945, Scottish Labour politician; speaker of the House of Commons (2000–09)
7. MartinPaul (Edgar Philippe)1938MCanadianPOLITICS: politician Paul ( Edgar Philippe ). born 1938, Canadian Liberal politician; prime minister of Canada (2003–06)
8. Martin, Saint?316?397MFrenchRELIGION: clergymanRELIGION: saint Saint. called Saint Martin of Tours. ?316–?397 ad , bishop of Tours (?371–?397); a patron saint of France. He furthered monasticism in Gaul. Feast day: Nov 11 or 12
9. MartinSteve(n)1945MUSFILMS AND TV: actorTHEATRE: comedian Steve ( n ). born 1945, US film actor and comedian; his films include The Jerk (1979), Roxanne (1987), and Bowfinger ) (1999)

martin

²

/ ˈmɑːtɪn /

noun

1. any of various swallows of the genera Progne, Delichon, Riparia, etc, having a square or slightly forked tail See also house martin

Word History and Origins

Origin of martin¹

1425–75; late Middle English ( Scots ) martoune; presumably generic use of the personal name (< French < Late Latin Martīnus ), traditionally by association with March ( Latin Mārtius ), when the bird arrives, and Martinmas, when it leaves; though Middle English, Old French martinet has been applied to a variety of birds; compare French martin-pêcheur kingfisher

Word History and Origins

Origin of martin¹

C15: perhaps from St Martin , because the birds were believed to migrate at the time of Martinmas

Example Sentences

The zoo’s community science programs organize people tromping around marshes in search of amphibian eggs and monitoring nesting purple martins along the Tacoma waterfront.

From Seattle Times

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, house sparrows have been known to attack many bird species, including bluebirds, purple martins and tree swallows.

From New York Times

In Europe, parallel declines of insectivorous swallows, house martins and swifts have all been linked to insect declines.

From Salon

Some research also has linked insecticide use with declines in barn swallows, house martins, and swifts.

From Reuters

He often said that he was part Cherokee; the name Clu came from “clu-clu,” a Cherokee word for the birds, known in English as martins, that were nesting at the Gulager home.

From New York Times