Definition

A male bird of prey, particularly a falcon or goshawk.

Example

The tercelet soared high above the forest, searching for its next meal.

Conversation

Did you see that tercelet soaring over the park yesterday?

Yeah, it was amazing! I love watching birds of prey.

I can't believe how fast that tercelet was flying.

Right? Falcons are such incredible hunters.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Tercelet** → The word 'tercelet' originates from Old French *tercelet*, which is a diminutive form of *terce* (meaning third). It refers to a young male hawk, specifically a tiercel, which is one-third smaller than the female. The term reflects the idea of a smaller or younger version of something that is one-third in size.

Memory Tip

Think of 'third' to remember that a 'tercelet' is a smaller or younger version of a hawk, specifically one that is one-third the size of the female.

Visually Confused Words