First Known Use: 1515
Dictionary
1bittern
noun bit·tern \ˈbi-tərn\
Definition of BITTERN
: any of various small or medium-sized usually secretive herons (especially genera Botaurus and Ixobrychus)
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Origin of BITTERN
Middle English bitoure, from Anglo-French butor, from Vulgar Latin *butitaurus, from Latin buteo hawk + taurus bull
2bittern
noun
Definition of BITTERN
: the bitter water solution of salts that remains after sodium chloride has crystallized out of a brine
Origin of BITTERN
irregular from 1bitter
First Known Use: 1682
BITTERN Defined for Kids
bittern
noun bit·tern \ˈbi-tərn\
Definition of BITTERN for Kids
: a brownish marsh bird which has a loud booming cry
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