cockatoo
UK[ˌkɒk.əˈtuː]US[ˌkɑː.kəˈtuː]
n
a parrot with a large crest of feathers on its head, native to australia and nearby islands.
Etymology
the word 'cockatoo' entered english in the 17th century from dutch 'kaketoe', which itself was adapted from malay 'kakatua'. the malay term is believed to be onomatopoeic, imitating the bird's distinctive call. this etymology highlights a common pattern where animal names, especially for exotic species, are adopted from local languages through trade and colonial contact. the word's journey from southeast asia to europe reflects the age of exploration and the introduction of new fauna to the western lexicon.
Analysis
the word is a loanword borrowed as a whole unit. it does not contain separable morphemes within modern english spelling.
Examples
a sulphur-crested cockatoo perched noisily on the branch.
the cockatoo's powerful beak can crack hard nuts.
we visited an aviary that specialized in australian cockatoos.