What does "hoatzin" mean?
A bird of the species Opisthocomus hoazin of the order Opisthocomiformes, with claws on the wing fingers of the juvenile and an enlarged crop used as a rumen.
Hoatzin
/ˈwɑːtsɪn/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A bird of the species Opisthocomus hoazin of the order Opisthocomiformes, with claws on the wing fingers of the juvenile and an enlarged crop used as a rumen.
- Grammar: hoatzin is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: opisthocomus hoazin, hoactzin, stinkbird.
- Usage evidence: Hoatzins are large birds — at about twenty-six inches from head to tail, they are much larger than Archaeopteryx — with a yellowish chest, brown striped back, and a long narrow tail (Figure 53). Hoatzins are unusual in several ways, one of which is that hatchling hoatzins have claws on their wings. Although some other birds have vestigial wing claws, the hoatzin is the only species known to have functional wing or hand claws.
How to use "hoatzin"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "hoatzin" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "hoatzin" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "hoatzin" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "opisthocomus hoazin" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A bird of the species Opisthocomus hoazin of the order Opisthocomiformes, with claws on the wing fingers of the juvenile and an enlarged crop used as a rumen.
"Hoatzins are large birds — at about twenty-six inches from head to tail, they are much larger than Archaeopteryx — with a yellowish chest, brown striped back, and a long narrow tail (Figure 53). Hoatzins are unusual in several ways, one of which is that hatchling hoatzins have claws on their wings. Although some other birds have vestigial wing claws, the hoatzin is the only species known to have functional wing or hand claws."
- 2 crested ill-smelling South American bird whose young have claws on the first and second digits of the wings wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Hoatzins are large birds — at about twenty-six inches from head to tail, they are much larger than Archaeopteryx — with a yellowish chest, brown striped back, and a long narrow tail (Figure 53). Hoatzins are unusual in several ways, one of which is that hatchling hoatzins have claws on their wings. Although some other birds have vestigial wing claws, the hoatzin is the only species known to have functional wing or hand claws."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "hoatzin"?
Common synonyms include: opisthocomus hoazin, hoactzin, stinkbird.
How do you use "hoatzin" in a sentence?
Hoatzins are large birds — at about twenty-six inches from head to tail, they are much larger than Archaeopteryx — with a yellowish chest, brown striped back, and a long narrow tail (Figure 53). Hoatzins are unusual in several ways, one of which is that hatchling hoatzins have claws on their wings. Although some other birds have vestigial wing claws, the hoatzin is the only species known to have functional wing or hand claws.
How do you pronounce "hoatzin"?
Pronounced /ˈwɑːtsɪn/.
Etymology
From Nahuatl huāctzin (which probably designated a different bird).