n. 1. Either of two gull-like birds, Fulmarus glacialis of Arctic regions or F. glacialoides of Antarctic regions, having bluish-gray and white plumage. 2. Any of several similar or related birds. [Ultimately (via Scots fulmar and Scottish Gaelic fulmair) from Old Norse fūlmār : fūll, foul (from the foul-smelling oily liquid that the birds regurgitate as a defense when disturbed ); see p- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + mār, mew; akin to Old English mǣw.] |
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