Bittern
any of several tawny brown herons that inhabit reedy marshes, as Botaurus lentiginosus (American bittern) of North America, and B. stellaris, of Europe.
any of several small herons of the genus Ixobrychus, as I. exilis (least bittern) of temperate and tropical North and South America.
a bitter solution remaining in salt making after the salt has crystallized out of seawater or brine, used as a source of bromides, iodides, and certain other salts.
Contemporary Examples
One Year to Live Olivia Gentile April 11, 2009
Historical Examples
Bible Animals; J. G. Wood
Four Americans Henry A. Beers
Audubon and his Journals, Volume I (of 2) Maria R. Audubon
Pilgrimage from the Alps to the Tiber James Aitken Wylie
Gritli’s Children Johanna Spyri
Bible Animals; J. G. Wood
Our Vanishing Wild Life William T. Hornaday
The Siege of Norwich Castle Matilda Maria Blake
Highways and Byways in The Border Andrew Lang
noun
any wading bird of the genera Ixobrychus and Botaurus, related and similar to the herons but with shorter legs and neck, a stouter body, and a booming call: family Ardeidae, order Ciconiiformes
noun
the bitter liquid remaining after common salt has been crystallized out of sea water: a source of magnesium, bromine, and iodine compounds
n.
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