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albatross

al·ba·tross
A a

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [al-buh-traws, -tros]
    • /ˈæl bəˌtrɔs, -ˌtrɒs/
    • /ˈæl.bə.trɒs/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [al-buh-traws, -tros]
    • /ˈæl bəˌtrɔs, -ˌtrɒs/

Definitions of albatross word

  • countable noun albatross An albatross is a very large white seabird. 3
  • countable noun albatross If you describe something or someone as an albatross around your neck, you mean that they cause you great problems from which you cannot escape, or they prevent you from doing what you want to do. 3
  • noun albatross 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 3
  • noun albatross a constant and inescapable burden or handicap 3
  • noun albatross a score of three strokes under par for a hole 3
  • noun albatross any of a family (Diomedeidae) of large, web-footed tubenose birds found chiefly in the South Seas: they have long, narrow wings and a long, hooked beak 3

Information block about the term

Origin of albatross

First appearance:

before 1675
One of the 48% oldest English words
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)

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Albatross

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

albatross popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 84% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

albatross usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for albatross

noun albatross

  • millstone — either of a pair of circular stones between which grain or another substance is ground, as in a mill.
  • load — anything put in or on something for conveyance or transportation; freight; cargo: The truck carried a load of watermelons.
  • woe — grievous distress, affliction, or trouble: His woe was almost beyond description.
  • disgrace — the loss of respect, honor, or esteem; ignominy; shame: the disgrace of criminals.
  • misery — wretchedness of condition or circumstances.

Antonyms for albatross

noun albatross

  • happiness — the quality or state of being happy.
  • joy — a female given name.
  • benefit — The benefit of something is the help that you get from it or the advantage that results from it.
  • blessing — A blessing is something good that you are grateful for.

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See also

Matching words

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