plume
plume Lexical Profile
plume Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A long, localized cloud or column of smoke, dust, steam, or water that rises and spreads out from its source in a shape resembling a feather.
"Geologists monitored the massive plume of ash and steam rising from the active volcano."
A long, soft feather or cluster of feathers used by a bird for display or worn by a person as an ornament, especially on a hat or helmet.
"The ceremonial helmet was topped with a vibrant white plume that swayed in the breeze."
• verb
To spread out or rise in a shape resembling a feather (especially of smoke, steam, or water).
"Thick gray smoke began to plume from the factory chimneys into the morning sky."
To clean, straighten, and arrange feathers with the beak (of a bird).
"The swan paused on the riverbank to plume its damp feathers after swimming."
To feel or express great pride or self-satisfaction in oneself regarding a particular quality or achievement.
"He plumed himself on his ability to solve complex mathematical puzzles without a calculator."
• Rhymes for plume
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Old French 'plume', which derives from the Latin 'pluma', meaning 'a soft feather' or 'down'.