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beak  (bēk)
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Tweet n. 1. a. The bill of a bird, especially one that is strong and curved, such as that of a hawk or a finch. b. A similar structure in other animals, such as turtles, insects, or fish. 2. A usually firm, tapering tip on certain plant structures, such as some seeds and fruits. 3. A beaklike structure or part, as: a. The spout of a pitcher. b. A metal or metal-clad ram projecting from the bow of an ancient warship. 4. Informal The human nose. 5. Chiefly British Slang a. A schoolmaster. b. A judge. [Middle English bek, from Old French bec, from Latin beccus, of Celtic origin.] beaked (bēkt) adj.  (click for a larger image) beaktop to bottom: black skimmer, pileated woodpecker, and American goldfinch |
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