||A"ves (&?;), n. pl. [L., pl. of avis bird.] (Zoöl.) The class of Vertebrata that includes the birds.
Aves, or birds, have a complete double circulation, oviparous, reproduction, front limbs peculiarly modified as wings; and they bear feathers. All existing birds have a horny beak, without teeth; but some Mesozoic fossil birds (Odontornithes) had conical teeth inserted in both jaws. The principal groups are: Carinatæ, including all existing flying birds; Ratitæ, including the ostrich and allies, the apteryx, and the extinct moas; Odontornithes, or fossil birds with teeth.
The ordinary birds are classified largely by the structure of the beak and feet, which are in direct relation to their habits. See Beak, Bird, Odontonithes.
||A*ves"ta (&?;), n. The Zoroastrian scriptures. See Zend-Avesta.
A"vi*an (&?;), a. Of or instrument to birds.
A"vi*a*ry (&?;), n.; pl. Aviaries (&?;). [L. aviarium, fr. aviarius pertaining to birds, fr. avis bird, akin to Gr, &?;, Skr. vi.] A house, inclosure, large cage, or other place, for keeping birds confined; a bird house.
Lincolnshire may be termed the aviary of England.
Fuller.
A`vi*a"tion (&?;), n. The art or science of flying.
A"vi*a`tor (&?;), n. (a) An experimenter in aviation. (b) A flying machine.
||A*vic"u*la (&?;), n. [L., small bird.] (Zoöl.) A genus of marine bivalves, having a pearly interior, allied to the pearl oyster; -- so called from a supposed resemblance of the typical species to a bird.
A*vic"u*lar (&?;), a. [L. avicula a small bird, dim. of avis bird.] Of or pertaining to a bird or to birds.
||A*vic`u*la"ri*a (&?;), n. pl. [NL. See Avicular.] (Zoöl.) See prehensile processes on the cells of some Bryozoa, often having the shape of a bird's bill.
A"vi*cul`ture (?; 135), n. [L. avis bird + cultura culture.] (Zoöl.) Rearing and care of birds.
Av"id (&?;), a. [L. avidus, fr. av&?;re to long: cf. F. avide. See Avarice.] Longing eagerly for; eager; greedy. "Avid of gold, yet greedier of renown." Southey.
A*vid"i*ous (&?;), a. Avid.
A*vid"i*ous*ly, adv. Eagerly; greedily.
A*vid"i*ty (&?;), n. [L. aviditas, fr. avidus: cf. F. avidité. See Avid.] Greediness; strong appetite; eagerness; intenseness of desire; as, to eat with avidity.
His books were received and read with avidity.
Milward.