Feather
Feathers are epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on dinosaurs, both avian and some non-avian, and possibly other archosauromorphs. They are considered the most complex integumentary structures found in vertebrates and a premier example of a complex evolutionary novelty. They are among the characteristics that distinguish the extant birds from other living groups.Although feathers cover most of the bird’s bodies, they arise only from certain well-defined tracts on the skin. They aid in flight, thermal insulation, and waterproofing. In addition, coloration helps in communication and protection. Plumology (or plumage science) is the name for the science that is associated with the study of feathers.
Plume (noun)
A feather of a bird, especially a large or showy one.
Plume (noun)
The furry tail of certain dog breeds (e.g. Samoyed, Malteagle) that stands erect or curls over their backs.
Plume (noun)
A cluster of feathers worn as an ornament, especially on a helmet.
Plume (noun)
A token of honour or prowess; that on which one prides oneself; a prize or reward.
Plume (noun)
An area over which (or a space into which) a fanned out; a cloud.
“After the explosion, a plume of smoke could be seen in the sky for miles around.”
Plume (noun)
An upward spray of water or mist.
Plume (noun)
An upwelling of molten material from the Earth’s mantle.
Plume (noun)
An arc of glowing material erupting from the surface of a star.
Plume (noun)
A large and flexible panicle of inflorescence resembling a feather, such as is seen in certain large ornamental grasses.
Plume (verb)
To preen and arrange the feathers of.
Plume (verb)
To congratulate (oneself) proudly.
“He plumes himself on his skill.”
Plume (verb)
To strip of feathers; to pluck; to strip; to pillage; also, to peel.
Plume (verb)
To adorn with feathers or plumes.
Plume (verb)
To form a plume.
“Smoke plumed from his pipe then slowly settled towards the floor.”
Plume (verb)
To write; to pen.
Feather (noun)
A branching, hair-like structure that grows on the bodies of birds, used for flight, swimming, protection and display.
Feather (noun)
Long hair on the lower legs of a dog or horse, especially a draft horse, notably the Clydesdale breed. Narrowly only the rear hair.
Feather (noun)
One of the fins or wings on the shaft of an arrow.
Feather (noun)
A longitudinal strip projecting from an object to strengthen it, or to enter a channel in another object and thereby prevent displacement sideways but permit motion lengthwise; a spline.
Feather (noun)
Kind; nature; species (from the proverbial phrase “birds of a feather”).
Feather (noun)
One of the two shims of the three-piece stone-splitting tool known as plug and feather or plug and feathers; the feathers are placed in a borehole and then a wedge is driven between them, causing the stone to split.
Feather (noun)
The angular adjustment of an oar or paddle-wheel float, with reference to a horizontal axis, as it leaves or enters the water.
Feather (verb)
To cover or furnish with feathers.
Feather (verb)
To arrange in the manner or appearance of feathers.
“The stylist feathered my hair.”
Feather (verb)
To rotate the oars while they are out of the water to reduce wind resistance.
Feather (verb)
To streamline the blades of an aircraft’s propeller by rotating them perpendicular to the axis of the propeller when the engine is shut down so that the propeller does not windmill during flight.
“After striking the bird, the pilot feathered the left, damaged engine’s propeller.”
Feather (verb)
To finely shave or bevel an edge.
Feather (verb)
To intergrade or blend the pixels of an image with those of a background or neighboring image.
Feather (verb)
To adorn, as with feathers; to fringe.
Feather (verb)
To render light as a feather; to give wings to.
Feather (verb)
To enrich; to exalt; to benefit.
Feather (verb)
To tread, as a cock.
Feather (verb)
To accidentally touch the cue ball with the tip of the cue when taking aim