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Cuckoo clock   /kˈəkˌu klɑk/   Listen
noun
Cuckoo  n.  (Zool.) A bird belonging to Cuculus, Coccyzus, and several allied genera, of many species. Note: The European cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) builds no nest of its own, but lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, to be hatched by them. The American yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus Americanus) and the black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) build their own nests.
Cuckoo clock, a clock so constructed that at the time for striking it gives forth sounds resembling the cry of the cuckoo.
Cuckoo dove (Zool.), a long-tailed pigeon of the genus Macropygia. Many species inhabit the East Indies.
Cuckoo fish (Zool.), the European red gurnard (Trigla cuculus). The name probably alludes to the sound that it utters.
Cuckoo falcon (Zool.), any falcon of the genus Baza. The genus inhabits Africa and the East Indies.
Cuckoo maid (Zool.), the wryneck; called also cuckoo mate.
Cuckoo ray (Zool.), a British ray (Raia miraletus).
Cuckoo spit, or Cuckoo spittle.
(a)
A frothy secretion found upon plants, exuded by the larvae of certain insects, for concealment; called also toad spittle and frog spit.
(b)
(Zool.) A small hemipterous insect, the larva of which, living on grass and the leaves of plants, exudes this secretion. The insects belong to Aphrophora, Helochara, and allied genera.
Ground cuckoo, the chaparral cock.





Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48


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"Cuckoo clock" Quotes from Famous Books



... the comforting solidity of the Sun, the clock-work of the familiar planets and the Moon rang in on him. Our own solar system was as charming and as simple as an ancient cuckoo clock filled with familiar ticking and with reassuring noises. The odd little moons of Mars swung around their planet like frantic mice, yet their regularity was itself an assurance that all was well. Far above the plane of the ecliptic, he could feel half a ton of dust ...
— The Game of Rat and Dragon • Cordwainer Smith
... ran through every one. The children turned towards the darkening room. The gloomy cupboard was a blotch of shadow. The table frowned. The bookshelves listened. The white face of the cuckoo clock peered down upon them dimly from the opposite wall, and the chairs, it seemed, moved up a little closer. But through the windows the stars were beginning to peep, and they saw the crests of the friendly cedars ...
— The Extra Day • Algernon Blackwood
... last moment one of the Princesses came running after the Goat-mother, to press a cuckoo clock upon her, as a parting ...
— Soap-Bubble Stories - For Children • Fanny Barry
... Omission Choice Natural Fireworks Conspiracy Cuckoo Clock The Sentinel Royalty Crackers ...
— Songs for Parents • John Farrar
... stand still,' he said, but for one moment Wendy saw the romantic figure come to rest on the cuckoo clock. 'O the lovely!' she cried, though Tink's face was ...
— Peter and Wendy • James Matthew Barrie


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