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Definition of mesite
mesite
/ˈmɛsaɪt/
me · site
Plural:mesites
mesite Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Any of three species of small, near-flightless, terrestrial birds comprising the family Mesitornithidae, which are entirely endemic to the forests and brushlands of Madagascar.
Example
"Birdwatchers traveling to Madagascar often hope to catch a glimpse of the rare and secretive brown mesite foraging on the forest floor."
• Rhymes for mesite
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From the Modern Latin genus name 'Mesites' (coined in 1838 by Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire), derived from Ancient Greek 'mesitēs' (mediator, middleman), likely chosen to reflect their perceived intermediate taxonomic position between pigeons and gallinaceous birds.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mesite. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mesite