Ciconiiformes

plural noun

Ci·​co·​ni·​ifor·​mes
səˌkōnēəˈfȯrˌmēz
: an order of chiefly tropical fish-eating wading birds including the herons, storks, spoonbills, flamingos, and related forms all relatively large and usually with long legs and bills, upright carriage, and excepting the flamingos unwebbed feet

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Ciconia ciconia + -iformes -iformes

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Ciconiiformes

Cite this Entry

“Ciconiiformes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ciconiiformes. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!