English Dictionary

Definition of “albatross”

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albatross (ˈælbəˌtrɒsPronunciation for albatross) 

Definitions

noun

  1. any large oceanic bird of the genera any large oceanic bird of the genera Diomedea  and any large oceanic bird of the genera and Phoebetria,  family any large oceanic bird of the genera and family Diomedeidae,  of cool southern oceans: order any large oceanic bird of the genera and family of cool southern oceans: order Procellariiformes (petrels). They have long narrow wings and are noted for a powerful gliding flight See also wandering albatross
  2. a constant and inescapable burden or handicap  ⇒ an albatross of debt 
  3. golf a score of three strokes under par for a hole

Word Origin

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

Usage examples

  • Unsettled by the mast's demolition, a dozen wandering albatross circled the peak, keeping a safe distance from the crowd whistling to them.
    Ballard, J. G., Rushing to Paradise (1994)
  • The debt was like an albatross around Eveready's neck, eating into profits each year.
    Business Today (2000)
  • But could corruption and profligacy within the federal government turn into a rotting albatross around Mr. Martin's neck?
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Pirate fishermen are driving the albatross to extinction, wildlife campaigners have warned.
    Liverpool Daily Post and Echo (2004)
  • Sometime during the afternoon a beautiful albatross landed in the water near the raft and looked sadly at the two forlorn sailors.
    Rob Mundle, FATAL STORM (2001)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'A'

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