What does psittacine mean?
Psittacine is a formal word used in biology and related fields to mean relating to parrots, or to refer to a member of the parrot family. It covers more than the familiar parrots kept as pets, including macaws, cockatoos, lorikeets, and their numerous relatives. The adjective commonly appears in terms such as "psittacine species," "psittacine birds," and "psittacine vocalisations." As a noun, a psittacine is any bird within the parrot family. The word is useful when scientific precision is needed, since ordinary "parrot" can be used more loosely and sometimes more emotionally. It is derived from the Greek word for parrot and belongs to a wider group of scientific terms associated with the study of these birds.
Relating to or characteristic of parrots and other birds in the parrot family.
"The study examined psittacine vocalisations across several species."
A technical term, especially used in biology, veterinary medicine, and conservation.
A member of the parrot family, including parrots, macaws, cockatoos, and related birds.
"The veterinarian is trained to treat psittacines in the clinic."
Usually used in a scientific or specialist context.
The regular plural is used when referring to more than one member of the parrot family.
"The sanctuary provides temporary homes for abandoned psittacines."
The word psittacine belongs to a family of scientific words that places parrots within the order Psittaciformes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does psittacine come from?
The word comes from Greek psittakos, meaning "parrot," with the English suffix -ine forming an adjective and noun relating to that group of birds. The Greek root also appears in terms such as psittacosis and psittacism, which concern parrots or diseases associated with them. In modern usage, psittacine specifically refers to members of the parrot family, Psittacidae.
How psittacine is actually used
Psittacine is a technical or formal term, especially common in biology, veterinary medicine, and conservation. It is more specific than the general word "parrot" and generally refers to members of the parrot family rather than to all parrot-like birds. In British English, "psittacine" may also be spelled with an alternative form, although the standard spelling is psittacine.
Easily confused with psittacine
Psittacine describes anything relating to parrots, while psittacosis is the disease caused by certain organisms associated with birds.