I. jac·a·na ˈjakənə noun
Etymology: modification of Portuguese jaçanã, from Tupi & Guarani
1. -s : any of several wading birds that chiefly frequent coastal freshwater marshes and ponds in warm regions, that have long slender legs and very long toes by means of which they run about over floating vegetation, a pointed bill with a frontal shield between the eyes, and usually a sharp spur at the bend of the wing, and that constitute the nearly tropicopolitan family Jacanidae
2. capitalized
[New Latin, from Portuguese jaçanã ]
: the type genus of Jacanidae comprising the New World jacanas
II. ja·ca·na ˈhäkənə noun
( -s )
Etymology: American Spanish jácana, ácana, jacana, acana, probably from Taino
: a West Indian timber tree ( Pouteria multiflora ) the hard dark wood of which is valued for furniture