turnix Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun type genus of the Turnicidae: button quail
genus Turnix.
WordNet
Tur"nix noun
Etymology
NL., fr. L.Definitions
(Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of birds belonging to Turnix orHemipodius and allied genera of the familyTurnicidæ . These birds resemble quails and partridges in general appearance and in some of their habits, but differ in important anatomical characteristics. The hind toe is usually lacking. They are found in Asia, Africa, Southern Europe, the East Indian Islands, and esp. in Australia and adjacent islands, where they are calledquails (seeQuail , n., 3.). SeeTurnicimorphæ .