rara avis

[ rair-uh ey-vis; Latin rah-rah ah-wis ]

noun

, plural ra·rae a·ves [rair, -ee , ey, -veez, rah, -, r, ahy , ah, -wes].

1. a rare person or thing; rarity.

rara avis

/ ˈrɛərə ˈeɪvɪs /

noun

1. an unusual, uncommon, or exceptional person or thing

Word History and Origins

Origin of rara avis¹

First recorded in 1600–10, rara avis is from Latin rāra avis “rare bird”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rara avis¹

Latin: rare bird

Example Sentences

The Goldfinch proves Tartt to be a rara avis; her own species, willingly chained to her demanding muse.

From The Daily Beast

He is that rara avis, the politician who writes his own books.

From The Daily Beast

A railway general manager in Ireland was in those days, strange to say, something of a rara avis.

From Project Gutenberg

The words "very scanty" are used most advisedly, for in very truth the American historian is a rara avis.

From Project Gutenberg

He has talent and is a true littrateur,—a rara avis, to whom we must give a cage larger than Havre.

From Project Gutenberg

When we come to so-called civil matters, the lady who does not know and exercise her legal privileges is indeed a rara avis.

From Project Gutenberg

Now this Mrs. Fitzsnob is not a rara avis, but is frequently met with.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• anomaly
• aspect
• circumstance
• episode
• event
• experience
• fact
• incident
• miracle
• paradox
• reality
• sensation