flat-beaked
|flat-beaked|
/ˌflætˈbiːkt/
having a flattened beak
Etymology
'flat-beaked' is a Modern English compound formed from 'flat' + 'beak'. 'flat' originates from Old Norse 'flatr', meaning 'broad, flat', and 'beak' originates ultimately from Old French 'bec' (from Frankish *bekko), meaning 'beak' or 'bill'.
'flat' passed into Middle English from Old Norse 'flatr' as 'flat'; 'beak' entered Middle English from Old French 'bec' (also recorded as Middle English 'beke'/'bek'). The compound 'flat-beaked' developed in Modern English by combining the adjective 'flat' with the noun 'beak' to describe shape.
Initially the parts meant 'broad/flat' (flat) and 'beak/bill' (beak); over time the compound came to be used specifically to describe animals that possess a flattened beak — 'having a flattened beak.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a beak or bill that is broad and flattened rather than pointed; used especially in descriptions of birds or other animals.
The wetland species is flat-beaked, adapted for sifting mud and small invertebrates from shallow water.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/07 18:01