Cygnine

/ˈsɪɡnaɪn/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or resembling a swan, or characteristic of swans in appearance or behavior.

Etymology

From Latin 'cygnus' (swan) plus the suffix '-ine' (relating to). The Latin word itself may derive from Greek 'kyknos.' The suffix -ine was added to create an adjective form meaning 'of or like a swan.'

Kelly Says

Swans have fascinated humans for thousands of years—in Greek mythology, Zeus disguised himself as a swan, and in music, Tchaikovsky immortalized them in 'Swan Lake,' yet the word 'cygnine' remains so rare that most people have never heard it even though we all know what swans are!

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