ostrich

noun

• 1a flightless swift-running African bird with a long neck, long legs, and two toes on each foot. It is the largest living bird, with males reaching an average height of 8 feet (2.5 m).

  • Struthio camelus, the only member of the family Struthionidae

• 2a person who refuses to face reality or accept facts.

  [from the popular belief that ostriches bury their heads in the sand if pursued]