Definition of BITTERN

bittern

Plural: bitterns

Noun

  • relatively small compact tawny-brown heron with nocturnal habits and a booming cry; found in marshes
  • Several bird species in the Botaurinae subfamily of the heron family Ardeidae.
  • The liquor remaining after halite (common salt) has been harvested from saline water (brine).
  • The saline substance added to soy milk to coagulate it as a primary step in the production of tofu.
  • A very bitter compound of quassia, cocculus indicus, etc., used by fraudulent brewers in adulterating beer.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English bitour, botor, from Old French butor, from Gallo-Roman *butitaurus, a blend of Latin būtiō (“bittern”) and taurus (“bull, ox”).

Scrabble Score: 9

bittern is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
bittern is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
bittern is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 11

bittern is a valid Words With Friends word