[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

albatross \al"batross\, n. corrupt. fr. pg. alcatraz
   cormorant, albatross, or sp. alcatraz a pelican: cf. pg.
   alcatruz, sp. arcaduz, a bucket, fr. ar. al-q=adus the
   bucket, fr. gr. ka`dos, a water vessel. so an arabic term for
   pelican is water-carrier, as a bird carrying water in its
   pouch. zool.
   a web-footed bird, of the genus diomedea, of which there
   are several species. they are the largest of sea birds,
   capable of long-continued flight, and are often seen at great
   distances from the land. they are found chiefly in the
   southern hemisphere.
   1913 webster albe
see also:
diomedea 

[2] : WordNet (r) 2.0

albatross
     n 1: figurative something that hinders or handicaps; "she was
          an albatross around his neck" syn: millstone
     2: large web-footed birds of the southern hemisphere having
        long narrow wings; noted for powerful gliding flight syn:
         mollymawk
see also:
millstone mollymawk 

Albatross >> A Words
Albatross, definition of term: Albatross
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