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n. pl. ostrich or os·trich·es 1. a. Either of two large, swift-running flightless birds (Struthio camelus or S. molybdophanes) of Africa, characterized by a long bare neck, small head, and two-toed feet. Ostriches are the largest living birds. b. A rhea. 2. One who tries to avoid disagreeable situations by refusing to face them. [Middle English, from Old French ostrusce, ostrice and Medieval Latin ostrica, both from Vulgar Latin *avis strūthiō : Latin avis, bird; see awi- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + Late Latin strūthiō, ostrich; see STRUTHIOUS.]  (click for a larger image) ostrichmale ostrich, Struthio camelus, guarding a nest |
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