aquiline

UK: ˈæk.wɪ.laɪn | US: ˈæk.wə.laɪn

Definition

  1. adj. resembling or characteristic of an eagle

  2. adj. (of a nose) curved or hooked like an eagle’s beak

Structure
aquil <eagle>ine <adjective suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin aquilinus (of or like an eagle), from aquila (eagle). The suffix -ine (from Latin -inus) forms adjectives meaning "pertaining to" or "resembling." The word vividly captures the sharp, curved shape of an eagle’s beak, later extended metaphorically to describe similar human features (e.g., a prominent nose).

Examples

  1. His aquiline nose gave him a distinguished profile.

  2. The statue depicted a deity with aquiline features.

  3. She admired the aquiline grace of the eagle in flight.

  4. The old portrait showed a man with piercing eyes and an aquiline face.

  5. Birds of prey often have aquiline beaks for tearing flesh.