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parrot

1. (Science: zoology) In a general sense, any bird of the order psittaci.

2. (Science: ornithology) Any species of Psittacus, Chrysotis, Pionus, and other genera of the family Psittacidae, as distinguished from the parrakeets, macaws, and lories. They have a short rounded or even tail, and often a naked space on the cheeks. The gray parrot, or jako (P. Erithacus) of Africa (see Jako), and the species of amazon, or green, parrots (Chrysotis) of America, are examples. Many species, as cage birds, readily learn to imitate sounds, and to repeat words and phrases.

(Science: marine biology) Parrot weed, any fish of the genus scarus. One species (S. Cretensis), found in the Mediterranean, is esteemed by epicures, and was highly prized by the ancient greeks and romans.

Origin: Prob. Fr. F. Pierrot, dim. Of Pierre Peter. F. Pierrot is also the name of the sparrow. Cf. Paroquet, Petrel, Petrify.