ralline

[ ral-ahyn, -in ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Rallidae, comprising the rails and allied species.

ralline

/ -ɪn; ˈrælaɪn /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Rallidae , a family of birds that includes the rails, crakes, and coots

Word History and Origins

Origin of ralline¹

1880–85; < New Latin Rall ( us ) name of genus ( rail ³ ) + -ine ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ralline¹

C19: from New Latin Rallus rail ³

Example Sentences

Notornis, nō-tor′nis, n. a genus of gigantic ralline birds, with wings so much reduced as to be incapable of flight, which have within historical times become extinct in New Zealand, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Of rails, or ralline birds, there are ten or twelve, ranging from a small spotted creature no bigger than a thrush to some large majestic birds.

From Project Gutenberg

Where they pass the winter—in what Mentone or Madeira of the ralline race—is not known.

From Project Gutenberg