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cuckoo

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cuckoo

Main Entry:: ¹cuck·oo
Pronunciation:: \ˈkü-(ˌ)kü, ˈku̇-\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural cuckoos
Etymology:: Middle English cuccu, of imitative origin
Date:: 13th century

1: a largely grayish-brown European bird (Cuculus canorus) that is a parasite given to laying its eggs in the nests of other birds which hatch them and rear the offspring ; broadly : any of a large family (Cuculidae of the order Cuculiformes) to which this bird belongs2: the call of the cuckoo3: a silly or slightly crackbrained person

[cuckoo illustration]

Learn more about "cuckoo" and related topics at Britannica.com

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