English dictionary
turnstone
/'t/[@]/rn,st/oU/n/
Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.
noun
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migratory shorebirds of the plover family that turn over stones in searching for food
Source: WordNet 3.0
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Any species of limicoline birds of the genera <i>Strepsilas</i> and <i>Arenaria</i>, allied to the plovers, especially the common American and European species (<i>Strepsilas interpres</i>). They are so called from their habit of turning up small stones in search of mollusks and other aquatic animals. Called also <i>brant bird</i>, <i>sand runner</i>, <i>sea quail</i>, <i>sea lark</i>, <i>sparkback</i>, and <i>skirlcrake</i>.
Source: webster1913