Albatross Meaning and Definition
Albatross
Pronunciation
/ˈælbətrɒs/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A large seabird of the albatross family (Diomedea), characterized by their distinctive white and gray plumage and massive wingspans, typically reaching up to 12 feet (3.65 meters) in length.
Examples
1. “The albatross soared above the ocean, its massive wings gliding effortlessly through the air.”
2. “The famous novel ‘The Rime of the Ancient Mariner’ features an albatross as a symbol of ill fortune.”
Synonyms
1. Giant petrel
2. Wandering albatross
Antonyms
1. Small bird
2. Songbird
Etymology
The word “albatross” originates from the Old Portuguese word “alcatroz,” meaning “large seabird,” which was later adopted into Middle English as “albatrosse.” The term gained widespread usage in the 19th century, particularly in literature, where it symbolized ill fortune and tragic circumstances, as seen in Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.”
Additional Information
Albatrosses are found in the southern hemisphere, with the largest populations found in the oceans surrounding Antarctica. They are known for their impressive gliding abilities and unique mating rituals. Albatrosses are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds that can last up to 50 years or more. They primarily feed on squid, crustaceans, and fish, using their distinctive bills to feed on prey at the surface of the water. In captivity, albatrosses can live up to 50 years, although their average lifespan in the wild is approximately 25 years. The albatross is considered a sacred animal in many cultures, with Pacific Island societies often revering them as symbols of good fortune and fertility.
Albatrosses are social birds that spend most of their lives at sea, with the exception of breeding and nesting periods. They have a remarkable ability to detect and track prey from great distances, using their exceptional eyesight and highly developed sense of smell. During these hunting trips, they may travel for hundreds of miles, often returning to their breeding grounds with food for their young. Albatrosses are also known for their impressive courtship displays, which involve elaborate dances and vocalizations to attract mates.
Despite their impressive size and impressive abilities, albatrosses face numerous threats in the wild, including habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats, including the establishment of marine protected areas and the reduction of bycatch in commercial fishing operations.
Usage Notes
The word “albatross” is often used metaphorically to describe a burden or a source of guilt, as seen in the phrase “an albatross around one’s neck.” This usage is derived from the idea that the albatross is a symbol of ill fortune and tragedy, as depicted in Coleridge’s poem.
When using the word “albatross” in a literal sense, it is essential to be aware of the bird’s unique characteristics and habits. For example, albatrosses are not typically found in tropical or subtropical regions, and their habitats are often associated with cold, temperate, or polar climates.
Cultural References
The albatross has appeared in various forms of literature, art, and popular culture, often symbolizing ill fortune, tragedy, or the burden of responsibility. Some notable examples include:
1. Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” which features an albatross as a symbol of ill fortune.
2. Herman Melville’s novel “Moby-Dick,” which includes an albatross as a symbol of the protagonist’s obsession with the white whale.
3. The film “The Old Man and the Sea,” which features an albatross as a symbol of the protagonist’s struggle against the forces of nature.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “An albatross around one’s neck” – a burden or a source of guilt.
2. “To be an albatross” – to be a source of trouble or a burden to others.
Collocations
1. Albatross and sea
2. Albatross and ocean
3. Albatross and bird
Frequency of Use
The word “albatross” is relatively rare in modern language, with an estimated frequency of use of less than 1% in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
1. Albatross -> Albatros
2. Albatross -> Albatrosses