ˌaptəˌrijəˈfȯrˌmēz noun plural
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Apteryg-, Apteryx + -iformes
: an order of flightless ground birds (superorder Palaeognathae) having vestigial wings, long bills, and small eyes and being coextensive with a family (Apterygidae) that includes the New Zealand kiwis and extinct related birds of Australia and New Zealand — see apteryx