ˈfu̇lmər, -ˌmär noun
also fulmar petrel
( -s )
Etymology: of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse fūlmār, from fūll foul + mār gull — more at foul , mew
1. : an Arctic sea bird ( Fulmarus glacialis ) that is closely related to the petrels, resembles the herring gull in size and color, is very abundant on the northern No. Atlantic, breeds on cliffs, feeds chiefly on fish and floating offal and is especially fond of whale blubber, and is valued for its eggs, oil, and feathers and for the strong-scented flesh of young birds which is sometimes used as food
2. : any of several birds of southern seas that are related to the fulmar