ornis

Ornis is the Greek word for bird, written as ὄρνις (ornis) in ancient texts. In scientific terminology, the root ornis or ornith- is used to form words related to birds, with the best known example being ornithology, the branch of zoology devoted to the study of birds and their biology.

The term ornithology derives from Greek elements meaning bird and discourse or study. It has been used in European scholarly language since the early modern period to name the science that investigates avian anatomy, behavior, ecology, and conservation. The root remains a common building block in biological vocabulary, appearing in words such as ornithologist to describe a person who studies birds.

Historically, ornis has also appeared as a genus name in some older taxonomic classifications. Such usages are now considered obsolete or superseded by modern taxonomy, which classifies birds within orders, families, and species based on current phylogenetic research. Despite changes in classification, the stem ornith- continues to influence contemporary terminology and institutional names in avian science and conservation.

In summary, ornis serves as both a classical noun for birds and the linguistic source for a wide range of modern terms related to the study and appreciation of birds. See also ornithology, ornithologist, and related uses of the ornith- prefix.