bittern
(noun) relatively small compact tawny-brown heron with nocturnal habits and a booming cry; found in marshes
Source: WordNet® 3.1
bittern (plural bitterns)
Several bird species in the Botaurinae subfamily of the heron family Ardeidae.
bittern (uncountable)
The liquor remaining after halite (common salt) has been harvested from saline water (brine).
The saline substance added to soy milk to coagulate it as a primary step in the production of tofu.
(archaic) A very bitter compound of quassia, cocculus indicus, etc, used by fraudulent brewers in adulterating beer.
• Bittner, Britten
Source: Wiktionary
Bit"tern, n. Etym: [OE. bitoure, betore, bitter, fr. F. butor; of unknown origin.] (Zoöl.)
Definition: A wading bird of the genus Botaurus, allied to the herons, of various species.
Note: The common European bittern is Botaurus stellaris. It makes, during the brooding season, a noise called by Dryden bumping, and by Goldsmith booming. The American bittern is B. lentiginosus, and is also called stake-driver and meadow hen. See Stake-driver.
Note: The name is applied to other related birds, as the least bittern (Ardetta exilis), and the sun bittern.
Bit"tern, n. Etym: [From Bitter, a.]
1. The brine which remains in salt works after the salt is concreted, having a bitter taste from the chloride of magnesium which it contains.
2. A very bitter compound of quassia, cocculus Indicus, etc., used by fraudulent brewers in adulterating beer. Cooley.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
1 March 2025
(adjective) (chemistry) of or relating to or containing one or more benzene rings; “an aromatic organic compound”
Coffee is a brewed drink prepared from roasted coffee beans, the seeds of berries from certain Coffea species. When coffee berries turn from green to bright red – indicating ripeness – they are picked, processed, and dried. Dried coffee seeds are roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor.
