corvus
[ˈkɔr.wʊs]masculine
The Latin word for raven is corvus.
corvus refers to any of several, generally large, species of birds in the genus Corvus with lustrous black plumage.
Meaning: any of several, generally large, species of birds in the genus Corvus with lustrous black plumage (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun corvus changes form depending on its role in a sentence. The genitive singular form of corvus is corvi. The accusative plural form of corvus is corvos.
Did you know?
- The Roman navy developed a boarding device called a corvus which was a bridge with a heavy spike that dropped onto enemy ships to lock them in place.
- In Roman augury, the corvus was often viewed as a bird of ill omen, and its appearance could be interpreted as a warning of impending disaster.
- The word corvus is believed to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the harsh, croaking sounds the bird makes.
Examples in context
- Corvus est tam niger quam carbo.The raven is as black as coal.This sentence compares the color of the corvus to coal.Tatoeba #5031419 by alexmarcelo, translation #1332897 by txoriburu
- Si tacitus pasci posset corvus, haberet plus dapis et rixae multo minus invidiaeque.If the raven could be fed in silence, it would have more food and much fewer quarrels and envy.This sentence uses corvus in a conditional statement about silence and envy.Tatoeba #7054401 by iart61, translation #11037027 by carlosalberto
- Aquila, Rex avium, Solem intuentur. Vultur, et Corvus, pascuntur morticinis cadaveribus. Milvus infectatur pullos gallinaceos.The eagle, king of birds, looks on the sun. The vulture and the raven feed on carrion. The kite pursues chickens.This sentence lists the feeding habits of the vulture and the corvus.Tatoeba #7315789 by jimkillock, translation #7351110 by jimkillock
- Corvus est avis magnifica.The raven is a magnificent bird.
- Ecce corvulus!Look, a little raven!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Gaius are observing birds in a field.
- JuliaVide, Gai! Quid est illud animal?Look, Gaius! What is that animal?
- GaiusHic corvus in arbore sedet.This raven is sitting in the tree.
- JuliaCur corvus tam clamosus est?Why is the raven so noisy?
- GaiusFortasse cibum quaerit.Perhaps it is looking for food.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “raven” translations and entries corvus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries corvus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
