Ross's gull

noun

: a small rare gull (Rhodosthethia rosea) of the far north having the rail wedge-shaped and the lower parts rosy when in full plumage

Word History

Etymology

after Sir James Clark Ross †1862 Scottish polar explorer

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!