HeyRuaHow to say “razorbill” in Irish
- Irish:
- crosán
- English:
- razorbill, jester
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KRUS-awn” /ˈkɾˠɔsˠɑːnˠ/
- Plural:
- crosáin (razorbills)
- Genitive singular:
- crosáin, an chrosáin (e.g. nead an chrosáin, the razorbill's nest)
- Genitive plural:
- crosán, na gcrosán (e.g. ealta na gcrosán, the flock of razorbills)
What does “crosán” mean?
“Crosán” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- razorbill
- A black and white seabird of the auk family with a thick, flattened bill, nesting on sea cliffs.Also: auk, seabird.
1 other meaning: jester
- 2jester
- A satirist or buffoon who entertained with mocking verse in former times; a mischievous, perverse person.Also: buffoon, satirist, mummer.
“Crosán” with the article
The plural of razorbill in Irish is crosáin. Here is crosán after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Crosán” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using crosán, the Irish word for razorbill.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Razorbill in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for razorbill?
The Irish for razorbill is crosán (pronounced “KRUS-awn”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is crosáin. Depending on context it can also mean jester.
How do you pronounce crosán in Irish?
Crosán is said like “KRUS-awn” (IPA /ˈkɾˠɔsˠɑːnˠ/).
What is the plural of razorbill in Irish?
The plural of crosán is crosáin; with the article, na crosáin means “the razorbills”. The genitive plural is crosán, as in ealta na gcrosán (the flock of razorbills).
Does crosán have more than one meaning?
Yes. Crosán can mean razorbill or jester, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does crosán change to chrosán or gcrosán?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) crosán becomes mo chrosán (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcrosán (eclipsis).
What is the difference between crosán and fuipín?
Crosán is the razorbill, while the similar guillemot is usually called foracha or éan aille; fuipín is a less common name for a similar auk. Check a bird guide if unsure.
Does crosán have another meaning?
Yes, in older literature a crosán was a jester or satirical entertainer, and the word can describe a contrary person.
