smient

Dutch

Etymology

The ending -ent is generally considered to be identical to eend (“duck”); the origin of smi- is however uncertain. Some link it to Proto-Germanic *smēhaz (“small”), wigeons being fairly small of stature compared to, say, mallards. This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /smint/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: smient
  • Rhymes: -int

Noun

smient f (plural smienten, diminutive smientje n)

  1. Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope)
    Synonym: fluiteend
  2. a wigeon, any bird of three species in the genus Mareca

Derived terms

  • Amerikaanse smient
  • Chileense smient

Further reading

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