feather
feather Lexical Profile
feather Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of the light, horny epidermal outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of birds, consisting of a central shaft bearing a series of interlocking barbs.
"The peacock displayed its magnificent, iridescent feathers during the courtship ritual."
The plumage of a bird, often considered collectively or in terms of its general condition.
"The molting eagle was in poor feather this season and struggled to fly efficiently."
• verb
To blend or thin the edges of something (such as paint, hair, or wood) so that it gradually merges with a surrounding area.
"The hairstylist used thinning shears to feather the ends of her bangs for a softer, more natural look."
To cover, dress, or decorate with or as if with feathers.
"The indigenous artisans feathered the ceremonial headdress with brilliant macaw plumes."
To rotate the blades of a propeller so that their edges are parallel to the line of flight, reducing aerodynamic drag.
"When the engine failed, the pilot had to feather the propeller immediately to maintain a safe glide path."
• Rhymes for feather
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'feðer', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'veer' and German 'Feder', tracing back to an Indo-European root shared by Latin 'penna' and Greek 'pteron' (meaning 'wing' or 'feather').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.