apodiform - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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apodiform

|a-po-di-form|

🇺🇸

/ˈeɪpəˌdɪfɔrm/

🇬🇧

/ˈeɪpəˌdɪfɔːm/

swift-like; (etym.) footless

Etymology

Etymology Information

'apodiform' originates from Modern Latin, specifically the word 'Apodiformes', where Greek 'apous' meant 'without foot' and Latin 'forma' (via the suffix '-form') meant 'shape'.

Historical Evolution

'apodiform' changed from the Neo‑Latin/Modern Latin term 'Apodiformes' (used to name the bird order) and eventually entered English as the adjective 'apodiform'.

Meaning Changes

Initially it reflected the Greek root meaning 'without foot' (or with very small feet); over time it has come to mean 'relating to or resembling Apodiformes' rather than literally 'without feet'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

of or relating to the bird order Apodiformes (for example, swifts and hummingbirds).

Many field guides group swifts and hummingbirds under apodiform classification.

Synonyms

of Apodiformesswift-likehummingbird-like

Antonyms

non-apodiform

Adjective 2

having the form or characteristics of Apodiformes; resembling swifts or related birds (etymologically linked to 'without foot').

The fossil displayed apodiform features, suggesting an aerial specialist.

Synonyms