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ostrich

os·trich [ óstrich, óstrij ] (plural os·trich·es or os·trich)


noun 
Definition:
 
1. flightless bird: a two-toed fast-running bird with a long bare neck, small head, and fluffy drooping feathers. It cannot fly, and is the largest living bird. Native to: Africa.  Latin name Struthio camelus.

2. somebody who ignores unpleasant things: somebody who tries to avoid unpleasant situations by refusing to acknowledge that they exist ( informal )

[13th century. < Old French ostrusce< Latin avis "bird" + Greek strouthiōn-< strouthos "sparrow." In sense 2 < the belief that ostriches bury their heads in sand if pursued]
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