astrild
|as-trild|
/ˈæstrɪld/
small waxbill-like finch
Etymology
'astrild' originates from Swedish 'astrild', a name used for waxbill-like birds; it entered English via naturalists' writings in the 18th–19th century.
'astrild' was borrowed into English from Scandinavian natural-history usage (Swedish 'astrild') and became established in English ornithological literature to label certain small estrildid finches.
Initially used more loosely for small songbirds, over time it has come to refer specifically to waxbills or closely related members of the family Estrildidae in ornithological contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a small finch-like songbird of the family Estrildidae (a waxbill); used to refer to certain waxbills or similar small estrildid birds.
The ornithologist noted an astrild among the grassland flocks during the survey.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/07 14:24