Probably from Spanish or Portuguese alcatraz (“pelican”), probably derived from Arabic الْغَطَّاس (al-ḡaṭṭās, “the diver”); or from Portuguese alcatruz (“water wheel bucket”), from Arabic الْقَادُوس (al-qādūs), from Ancient Greek κάδος (kádos, “pail, jar”), in reference to the pouch of a pelican. In either case, altered under the influence of the Latin word albus (“white”). Not derived from modern Arabic قَطْرَس (qaṭras, “albatross”), which is perhaps borrowed from Spanish.
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈæl.bəˌtɹɒs/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ˈæl.bəˌtɹɔs/
- (cot–caught merger, Canada) IPA(key): /ˈæl.bəˌtɹɑs/
Audio (US) (file)
albatross (plural albatross or albatrosses)
- Any of various large seabirds of the family Diomedeidae ranging widely in the Southern Ocean and the North Pacific and having a hooked beak and long narrow wings.
- (golf) A double eagle, or three under par on any one hole.
- (idiomatic) A long-term impediment, burden, or curse.
- an albatross (a large oceanic bird of the Southern Hemisphere)
- an albatross (as above)