wren
wren
UK[rɛn]US[rɛn]
n
a very small, brown european bird with a short tail that is often held pointing upwards.
n
any of various similar small, active songbirds found chiefly in the americas.
Etymology
the word 'wren' descends directly from the old english 'wrenna', which itself has germanic cognates such as old high german 'rentilo'. its ultimate origin is obscure, though it may be linked to proto-indo-european roots suggesting something twisted or wrung, possibly referencing the bird's restless, fidgeting movements. the name has remained remarkably stable in form and reference for over a millennium in english. today, it specifically denotes a family of small, often brown and energetic songbirds found across the world.
Analysis
the word 'wren' is a simplex word of old english origin. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the tiny wren built its nest in the garden hedge.
we heard the loud, complex song of a carolina wren.
in folklore, the wren is sometimes called the 'king of the birds'.