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Definition of tapaculo

tapaculo

/ˌtæp.əˈkuː.loʊ/
tap · a · cu · lo
Plural:tapaculos
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tapaculo Lexical Profile

tapaculo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of numerous small, highly elusive, mostly terrestrial passerine birds of the family Rhinocryptidae, native to South and Central America, characterized by stout bills, short wings, strong legs, and a distinctive habit of holding their tails cocked upright.

Example

"The elusive Chucao tapaculo is frequently heard calling from the dense undergrowth of the Andean temperate forests, but its cryptic plumage makes it exceptionally difficult to spot."

• Rhymes for tapaculo

• Nearby Words

tao
taos
tap
tapaculo
tapajos
tapas
tape

Word Origin & Etymology

From American Spanish 'tapaculo', literally meaning 'cover your bottom' (from 'tapar' meaning 'to cover' and 'culo' meaning 'bottom'), referring humorously to the bird's characteristic habit of holding its tail cocked sharply upright.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tapaculo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tapaculo
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