merganser
UK[mɜːˈɡænsə]US[mɜːrˈɡænsər]
n
A type of large diving duck with a long, thin, serrated bill for catching fish.
Morpheme Breakdown
merg
anser
merg
dive
anser
goose
Etymology
The word 'merganser' is a modern Latin scientific term coined in the 18th century for a genus of diving ducks. It is a direct combination of two classical Latin roots: mergere ("to dive, plunge") and anser ("goose"). This compound name was created to describe the bird's primary behavioral characteristic—its diving, plunging method of foraging—while classifying it within the broader waterfowl family. The literal meaning, "diving goose," logically captures the creature's nature as a waterbird specialized for underwater hunting, distinct from typical surface-feeding ducks.
Analysis
Structure: merg (dive) + anser (goose)
merg (from Latin mergere, meaning "to dip, immerse, plunge"); anser (from Latin anser, meaning "goose").
Examples
The common merganser is often seen on northern lakes and rivers.
We spotted a female merganser leading a line of ducklings across the bay.
The merganser's saw-toothed bill is perfectly adapted for gripping slippery fish.