rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryrheaFlightless bird
noun

rhea

REE-uh/ˈriːə/

A large flightless South American bird.

The rhea stands on long, three-toed legs in the grassland.

A single rhea standing in profile on a small patch of South American grassland, showing its long neck, shaggy gray-brown plumage, small head, and long, three-toed legs.
Etymology
rheaGreekname of a titaness

Rhea was the name of a Greek titaness, but why it was applied to this South American bird is unknown. The goddess’s name itself also has no known origin.

In context

Wildlife & Ocean Animals0:10
Darwin's Rhea, a magnificent bird native to South America.
The Great Father of South America Darwin’s Rhea and Its Incredible Parenting Instinct

More examples

  • The rhea cannot fly, but it can run fast.
  • Several rheas graze together on the open plain.
  • We watch a rhea stretch its neck toward the leaves.

Forms

rhea · rheas