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Definition of penna

penna

/ˈpɛn.ə/
pen · na
Plural:pennae
•
Adjective:pennaceous
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penna Lexical Profile

penna Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A contour feather of a bird, possessing a stiff central shaft and firm, interlocking vanes, as distinguished from soft down feathers.

Example

"Under the microscope, the ornithologist examined the interlocking barbs of the eagle's penna to study its aerodynamic properties."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Typically restricted to technical ornithological contexts; everyday usage strongly favors the general term 'feather'.

• Rhymes for penna

• Nearby Words

pendulum
penguin
penguin tetra
penna
pennant
pennar
penne

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'penna', meaning 'feather' or 'wing', deriving from the Proto-Indo-European root '*pet-' meaning 'to rush' or 'to fly'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Penna. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/penna
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