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Definition of orthonyx
orthonyx
/ɔːrˈθɑːn.ɪks/
or · tho · nyx
Plural:orthonyxes
orthonyx Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Any of the small, ground-dwelling passerine birds comprising the genus Orthonyx, native to the rainforests of eastern Australia and New Guinea, characterized by a stiff, spine-tipped tail that they use to prop themselves up while foraging on the forest floor.
Example
"The researcher patiently observed an orthonyx as it used its stiff tail feathers for leverage to aggressively scratch through the leaf litter in search of insects."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for orthonyx• Rhymes for orthonyx
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From New Latin Orthonyx, derived from Greek 'orthos' (straight) and 'onyx' (claw or nail), referencing the unusually straight shape of the bird's hind claws.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Orthonyx. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/orthonyx