albatross
[ al-buh-traws, -tros ]
/ ˈæl bəˌtrɔs, -ˌtrɒs /
noun
any of several large, web-footed sea birds of the family Diomedeidae that have the ability to remain aloft for long periods.
Compare wandering albatross.
a seemingly inescapable moral or emotional burden, as of guilt or responsibility.
something burdensome that impedes action or progress.
Textiles.
- a lightweight worsted fabric with a crepe or pebble finish.
- a plain-weave cotton fabric with a soft nap surface.
Origin of albatross
1675–85; variant of
algatross frigate bird < Portuguese
alcatraz pelican, probably < Arabic
al-ghaṭṭāṣ a kind of sea eagle, literally, the diver;
-b- for
-g- perhaps by association with Latin
albus white (the bird's color)
Words nearby albatross
albany congress,
albarello,
albarium,
albata,
albategnius,
albatross,
albatross around one's neck,
albay,
albedo,
albedometer,
albee
Example sentences from the Web for albatross
British Dictionary definitions for albatross
albatross
/ (ˈælbəˌtrɒs) /
noun
any large oceanic bird of the genera Diomedea and Phoebetria, family Diomedeidae, of cool southern oceans: order Procellariiformes (petrels). They have long narrow wings and are noted for a powerful gliding flight
See also wandering albatross
a constant and inescapable burden or handicap
an albatross of debt
golf
a score of three strokes under par for a hole
Word Origin for albatross
C17: from Portuguese
alcatraz pelican, from Arabic
al-ghattās, from
al the +
ghattās white-tailed sea eagle; influenced by Latin
albus white: C20 in sense 2, from
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798) by Samuel Taylor
Coleridge