1. large wading birds of the heron family with brown streaked plumage that live in marshes and wetlands
2. the bitter liquid remaining after salt has crystallized from seawater or brine
Usage: chemistry; industrial

Examples

• The bitterns stood motionless among the reeds, perfectly camouflaged.
• American bitterns are known for their distinctive booming call during mating season.
• We spotted several bitterns while birdwatching in the wetland preserve.
• The bitterns’ streaked brown feathers help them blend into marsh vegetation.
• Salt producers collect bitterns as a byproduct of the evaporation process.
• The bitterns contain valuable minerals like magnesium and potassium.
• Industrial facilities process bitterns to extract useful chemical compounds.