• (n.) A genus of New Zealand birds about the size of a hen, with only short rudiments of wings, armed with a claw and without a tail; the kiwi. It is allied to the gigantic extinct moas of the same country. Five species are known. Found on http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/apteryx/
Ap'te·ryx noun [ Greek 'a priv. + pte`ryx wing. Confer Aptera .] (Zoology) A genus of New Zealand birds about the size of a hen, with only short rudiments of wings, armed with a claw and without a tail; the kiwi. It is allied to the gigantic extinct moas of th... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/A/111