Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈe͡ɪ hˈɛn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "gray hen" may seem straightforward, but its phonetic transcription reveals some interesting nuances. In IPA, "gray" is spelled as /ɡreɪ/, with the long "a" sound indicated by the letter "e." Meanwhile, "hen" is spelled as /hɛn/, with the short "e" sound indicated by the letter "e" and the "h" being silent. Together, these sounds create the distinct pronunciation of "gray hen" as /ɡreɪ hɛn/.
Gray hen is a term that refers to a female bird, specifically a type of domestic chicken or poultry known for its distinctive gray plumage. "Gray hen" is commonly used to describe a mature female chicken that exhibits gray feathers or a predominantly gray coloration.
The gray hen, also known as a gray hen chicken, is often sought after for its meat production and is commonly raised on poultry farms worldwide. They are recognized for their ability to lay eggs regularly, bearing the potential to produce a significant number of offspring.
In terms of physical appearance, a gray hen chicken typically possesses gray feathers that cover its entire body, including the wings, tail, and head. While gray is the predominant color, other shades like silver or pale gray may also be present, providing depth and dimension to the plumage. Females generally present a lighter coloration compared to males or roosters.
Additionally, gray hens are known for their mild temperament and adaptability, making them suitable for various agricultural environments and backyard farming. They are often bred for their meat as they possess desirable characteristics such as tender and succulent flesh.
To summarize, a gray hen refers to a mature female chicken exhibiting predominantly gray feathers, commonly used for meat production due to their ability to lay eggs regularly and desirable meat quality.
The word "gray hen" is a compound word formed by combining the adjective "gray" and the noun "hen".
The word "gray" comes from the Old English word "græg", which ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word "grēwaz". It is related to the Old High German word "grāo" and the Old Norse word "grar", all meaning "gray" or "hoary". The Proto-Indo-European root is believed to be "gherǝ-", meaning "to shine" or "bright".
On the other hand, "hen" comes from the Old English word "henn", which refers to a female chicken. It is believed to be related to the Old Norse word "hön" and the Proto-Germanic word "hanjō".
