Beak
[biːk] or [bik]
Definition
(noun.) horny projecting mouth of a bird.
(noun.) beaklike mouth of animals other than birds (e.g., turtles).
(noun.) informal terms for the nose.
(noun.) a beaklike, tapering tip on certain plant structures.
Edited by Barbie--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The bill or nib of a bird, consisting of a horny sheath, covering the jaws. The form varied much according to the food and habits of the bird, and is largely used in the classification of birds.
(n.) A similar bill in other animals, as the turtles.
(n.) The long projecting sucking mouth of some insects, and other invertebrates, as in the Hemiptera.
(n.) The upper or projecting part of the shell, near the hinge of a bivalve.
(n.) The prolongation of certain univalve shells containing the canal.
(n.) Anything projecting or ending in a point, like a beak, as a promontory of land.
(n.) A beam, shod or armed at the end with a metal head or point, and projecting from the prow of an ancient galley, in order to pierce the vessel of an enemy; a beakhead.
(n.) That part of a ship, before the forecastle, which is fastened to the stem, and supported by the main knee.
(n.) A continuous slight projection ending in an arris or narrow fillet; that part of a drip from which the water is thrown off.
(n.) Any process somewhat like the beak of a bird, terminating the fruit or other parts of a plant.
(n.) A toe clip. See Clip, n. (Far.).
(n.) A magistrate or policeman.
Checked by Barlow
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [1]. Bill, mandible, neb.[2]. Prow, bow, stem.
Edited by Faye
Definition
n. the bill of a bird: anything pointed or projecting: the nose: in the ancient galley a pointed iron fastened to the prow for piercing the enemy's vessel: (slang) a magistrate.—adj. Beaked (bēkt).
Editor: Pedro
Examples
- It seemed to Fred that if Mr. Farebrother had had a beak and talons instead of his very capable tongue, his mode of attack could hardly be more cruel. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- Although the beak is thus very inferior as a sifter to that of a shoveller, yet this bird, as every one knows, constantly uses it for this purpose. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- But,' he added, noticing Oliver's look of surprise, 'I suppose you don't know what a beak is, my flash com-pan-i-on. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- The beak, however, is not so straight or so strong as in the typical woodpeckers but it is strong enough to bore into wood. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- The barb is allied to the carrier, but, instead of a long beak, has a very short and broad one. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- And be it so, said Cedric; and let him tear me with beak and talons, ere my tongue say one word which my heart doth not warrant. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- Why, a beak's a madgst'rate; and when you walk by a beak's order, it's not straight forerd, but always agoing up, and niver a coming down agin. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- Look at them with their hooked beaks, Becky said, getting into the buggy, her picture under her arm, in great glee. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- We'll see wot the Secretary of State for the Home Affairs has got to say to the beaks, if I don't,' replied Mr. Dawkins. Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist.
- I have before mentioned that earth occasionally adheres in some quantity to the feet and beaks of birds. Charles Darwin. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- In the different species of geospiza there is a perfect gradation in the size of the beaks, only to be appreciated by seeing the specimens or their ill ustrations. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- There were the conch shell trumpet, the stone, bone, wood and metal dance rattles, the beaks of birds, and the horns and teeth of beasts, for the same rattling purpose. William Henry Doolittle. Inventions in the Century.
Checker: Stella