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cerf-volant. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
cerf-volant, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
cerf-volant in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
cerf-volant you have here. The definition of the word
cerf-volant will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
cerf-volant, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
French
Pronunciation
Etymology 1
From cerf (“deer”) + volant (“flying”, present participle of voler, "to fly"), because it is winged, with mandibles that resemble a deer's antlers.
Noun
cerf-volant m (plural cerfs-volants)
- stag beetle
Etymology 2
Possibly from Old French serpe (“serpent, dragon”) + volant (“flying”), converging with cerf-volant due to the similar pronunciation and appearance.
Noun
cerf-volant m (plural cerfs-volants)
- kite (toy)
- (geometry) kite
Derived terms
Usage notes
Often used in puns because it is a homophone of cerveau lent (“slow brain”).
Further reading