beak
UK[biːk]US[biːk]
n
The hard pointed part of a bird's mouth.
Etymology
The word 'beak' entered English from the Old French bec in the 13th century. Its ultimate source is the Latin beccus, which was borrowed from Gaulish, a Celtic language spoken in ancient France. The term is believed to be onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the pecking action or sound made by a bird's bill. This direct, concrete term for a bird's projecting jaws has remained remarkably stable in both form and meaning throughout its history in English.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form. It is derived from Old French bec, which itself came from Latin beccus, a word of Gaulish origin.
Examples
The eagle used its powerful beak to tear the flesh.
The shape of a bird's beak is often adapted to its diet.
He felt a sharp tap on his shoulder, as if from a bird's beak.