nest-tending
|nest-tend-ing|
🇺🇸
/ˈnɛstˌtɛndɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˈnɛstˌtendɪŋ/
(nest-tend)
caring for a nest
Etymology
'nest-tending' originates from English, specifically the words 'nest' and 'tend', where 'nest' meant 'a structure built by birds for eggs and young' and 'tend' meant 'to care for or look after'.
'nest' comes from Old English 'nest' (from Proto-Germanic *nistaz), and 'tend' ultimately comes from Latin 'tendere' via Old French; the compound was formed in Modern English by combining 'nest' + the present participle 'tending'.
Initially it literally meant 'to look after a nest' and has retained that basic sense; it is used both descriptively (adjective) and nominally to denote the activity.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or practice of tending a nest; care or attention given to a nest and its contents (eggs, hatchlings).
Nest-tending is essential for the survival of many hatchlings.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
present participle form of 'nest-tend' — to tend or care for a nest (to look after eggs or young in a nest).
The female is nest-tending while the male searches for food.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 1
describing something or someone involved in tending a nest (e.g., nest-tending behavior or nest-tending parents).
They observed nest-tending parents feeding their chicks.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/12 21:27