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harlequin
(redirected from harlequin ducks)

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.01 sec.
har·le·quin  (härl-kwn, -kn)
n.
1. Harlequin A conventional buffoon of the commedia dell'arte, traditionally presented in a mask and parti-colored tights.
2. A clown; a buffoon.
adj.
Having a pattern of brightly colored diamond shapes.

[Obsolete French, from Old French Herlequin, Hellequin, a demon, perhaps from Middle English *Herleking, from Old English Herla cyning, King Herla, a mythical figure identified with Woden.]

harlequin [ˈhɑːlɪkwɪn]
n
1. (Performing Arts / Theatre) (sometimes capital) Theatre a stock comic character originating in the commedia dell'arte; the foppish lover of Columbine in the English harlequinade. He is usually represented in diamond-patterned multicoloured tights, wearing a black mask
2. a clown or buffoon
adj
1. varied in colour or decoration
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) (of certain animals) having a white coat with irregular patches of black or other dark colour harlequin Great Dane
3. comic; ludicrous
[from Old French Herlequin, Hellequin leader of band of demon horsemen, perhaps from Middle English Herle king (unattested) King Herle, mythical being identified with Woden]
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.harlequinharlequin - a clown or buffoon (after the Harlequin character in the commedia dell'arte)
merry andrew, buffoon, clown, goof, goofball - a person who amuses others by ridiculous behavior
Verb1.harlequin - variegate with spots or marks; "His face was harlequined with patches"
dapple, mottle, cloud - colour with streaks or blotches of different shades

harlequin
Translations
Harlequin [ˈhɑːlɪkwɪn] NArlequín
Harlequin
n (Theat) → Harlekin m, → Hanswurst m
adjHarlekin(s)-; Harlequin costumeHarlekin(s)kostüm nt

harlequin
n (= colourful)bunt; harlequin glassesbuntes Brillengestell


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
The number of harlequin ducks, sea otters, and guillemots has dropped dramatically.
Among the most significant declines: Loon and scoter populations at oiled sites were 86 percent lower than expected and harlequin ducks 76 percent lower than expected.
Indeed, he speculates, this contamination may explain why some key mussel consumers-such as otters, harlequin ducks, and certain shore birdscontinue to suffer unabated oil-related reproductive difficulties despite low concentrations of petroleum in their water and on their home beaches.
 
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