~ 1 [ 'bɪtən ]
■ noun a marshbird of the heron family with brown streaked plumage, noted for the male's deep booming call. [ Botaurus stellaris (Eurasia), B. lentiginosus (N. America), and other species.]
Origin
ME bitore , from OFr. butor , based on L. butio '~' + taurus 'bull' (because of its call).
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~ 2 [ 'bɪt(ə)n ] ( also ~s )
■ noun a concentrated solution of various salts remaining after the crystallization of salt from seawater.
Origin
C17: prob. from bitter .