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Emu


From Design+Encyclopedia, the free encyclopedia on good design, art, architecture, creativity, engineering and innovation.
273170

Emu

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a unique and fascinating bird species that is native to Australia. It is the second-largest bird in the world, after the ostrich, and is known for its distinctive physical features, including its long neck and legs, brown feathers, and small wings that render it flightless. Emus are also known for their impressive running speed, which can reach up to 50 km/h (30 mph). They are primarily herbivores, feeding on a variety of plants and insects, but they can also consume small animals such as lizards and rats. Emus are an important part of Australian culture and history, with their image appearing on the country's coat of arms. They have also been a source of food and materials for indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Today, emus are farmed for their meat, oil, and leather, and they are also kept in zoos and wildlife parks around the world. Despite their large size and intimidating appearance, emus are generally docile and shy birds. However, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered, and their powerful legs and sharp claws can cause serious injury. In terms of conservation, emus are considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as hunting and predation by introduced species such as foxes and feral cats, are ongoing threats to their populations.

Australia, flightless, herbivores, culture, farming, conservation

— John Hall

220390

Emu

The word Emu is a common noun, which refers to a large, flightless bird that is native to Australia. Synonyms for the word Emu include casuariiformes, dromaius, Dromaius novaehollandiae, and common emu. Antonyms for the word Emu include small bird, flighted bird, and non-native bird. Cognates for Emu include the kiwi, rhea, and cassowary which are all flightless birds native to various countries across the world. Variants of the word Emu include emoo, emuw, and emma.

Etymology Morphology Emu Bird Australia Casuariiformes Dromaius Novaehollandiae Common Kiwi Rhea Cassowary Variants

— George Adrian Postea

220381

Emu

The word emu is a lexical item of Austronesian origin, thought to have arrived in the region from Southeast Asia some four thousand years ago. In the ensuing millennia, the term has undergone a variety of linguistic and morphological developments. From a historical perspective, the word has been used to describe multiple species of large, flightless birds native to Australia, including the large gray-brown bird now commonly known as the common or domestic Emu. Morphologically speaking, the term appears to be a monosyllabic, reduplicative expression derived from the Proto-Austronesian morpheme *emuq, which refers to the movement of the bird's legs when running. Pragmatically, the word has evolved over time to take on various symbolic and cultural meanings, being employed to symbolize strength, courage and survival.

Etymology, Morphology, Emu, Austronesian, Linguistic Evolution

— Henry Fontaine

220372

Emu

An emu is a large, flightless bird native to Australia and the second-largest extant bird in the world. This species of bird is known for its distinctive features that includes its brown feathers, long legs, and tall stature. It is considered a migratory species, often seen in search of food in the outback regions of Australia. In many languages around the world, emus are referred to in different ways. In French they are called émoi; German has Emu; Dutch has Emoe; Spanish has émo; Italian has emu; Swedish has emu; Filipino has emo; Korean has 에무; Chinese has 鸸鹋; and Greek has εμού.

emu, Australia, flightless, bird,émoi, Emu, Emoe, émo, emu, emo, 에무, 鸸鹋, εμού, migratory, outback, brown feathers, long legs, tall stature

— Harris Awan

CITATION : "Harris Awan. 'Emu.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/emu?E=220372 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"

181910

Emu

The emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) is a large flightless bird native to Australia. It is the second-largest extant bird in the world by height, after its relative, the ostrich. The adult emu is a grey-brown colour with a long neck and legs and can reach up to 2 metres (6.6 feet) in height. Its feathers lack the aftershaft found in other birds, and its wings are too small for flight. The emu is a powerful runner, reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h (30 mph). It mainly feeds on a wide variety of plants and insects, but can also eat small animals such as lizards and rats.

Emu bird, Dromaius novaehollandiae, Australian fauna, ratite birds.

— Ryan Davis


Emu Definition

Emu on Design+Encyclopedia

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