pheasant
UK: ˈfez.ənt | US: ˈfez.ənt
n. a large, long-tailed game bird, typically with brightly colored plumage, native to Asia and introduced elsewhere.
pheasant = phas<bird> + ant<noun suffix>
- phas<bird>: From Greek phasianos (related to the river Phasis in Colchis, where the bird was first encountered by Greeks).
- ant<noun suffix>: A suffix forming nouns, often derived from Latin or Greek, indicating an agent or object.
Etymology Origin:
The word "pheasant" traces back to the Greek phasianos, meaning "of the Phasis River" (now the Rioni River in Georgia). The bird was named after this region, where it was first observed by Greeks. Over time, the term evolved through Latin (phasianus) and Old French (faisan) before entering Middle English as fesaunt. The modern spelling reflects its French influence.
The pheasant strutted across the field, its iridescent feathers gleaming in the sunlight.
Hunters often seek pheasants during the autumn game season.
She prepared a roasted pheasant with herbs for the festive dinner.
A male pheasant’s vibrant plumage makes it easily distinguishable from the female.
The pheasant population has declined due to habitat loss in recent years.