Crake

/kreɪk/ noun

Definition

A type of small migratory game bird of the rail family, with a distinctive harsh call; especially the corncrake.

Etymology

From Middle English 'crake,' likely imitative in origin from the bird's harsh call that sounds like 'crack-crack.' The onomatopoeia captured the distinctive sound the bird makes.

Kelly Says

The corncrake's call is so distinctive and loud that in medieval times people could identify the season by listening for their arrival—and the word 'crake' literally mimics the sound, making it a perfectly onomatopoetic word.

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