I. ˈalbə.ˌtrȯs, -äs noun
( plural albatrosses or albatross )
Etymology: probably alteration (probably influenced by Latin albus white) of alcatras, from Portuguese or Spanish alcatraz pelican, probably from Arabic al-ghaṭṭās the white-tailed sea eagle ( Haliaeetus albicilla ), from al- the + ghaṭṭās white-tailed sea eagle
1. : any of a number of large web-footed seabirds that are related to the petrels, that form a family (Diomedeidae) of the order Procellariiformes, and that include the largest of seabirds, being capable of long-continued flight and often appearing at great distances from land chiefly over southern seas — see black-browed albatross , laysan albatross , sooty albatross , wandering albatross
2.
a. : a fine thin worsted fabric with a crepy surface made in various weaves
b. : a plainwoven cotton cloth with a soft nap similar to cotton bunting
3.
a. : something that causes persistent deep concern or anxiety
b. : something that makes accomplishment particularly difficult : encumbrance , handicap
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albatross 1
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II. noun
Etymology: from the albatross killed by the ancient mariner and subsequently hung about his neck in the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798) by S.T. Coleridge died 1834 English poet
1. : something that causes persistent deep concern or anxiety
an albatross of guilt that he has volunteered to carry — Jack Holland
2. : something that makes accomplishment particularly difficult : encumbrance
this regulatory albatross inhibits any marketing scheme that might lure commuters — Charles Luna