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feather

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The definition of a feather is one of the flat slender growths that cover the bodies of birds.

(noun)

An example of a feather is what peacocks drop behind them when they molt.

See feather in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Zool. any of the growths covering the body of a bird or making up a large part of the wing surface, as down or contour feathers: a typical contour feather consists of a horny central shaft, partly hollow, from which light, soft, narrow barbs, with interlocking barbules and barbicels, extend to form a thin, flat surface
a feather or featherlike part fastened to the shaft of an arrow to help control its flight
anything like or suggesting a feather or feathers in appearance, lightness, etc., as
1. a trifle
2. a projecting part, esp. for fitting into a groove
3. an irregular flaw in a gem
4. the fringe of hair along the tail and along the back of the legs of some dogs
Archaic
1. plumage
2. attire; dress
class; kind: enthusiasts of every feather
frame of mind; temper; vein
the act of feathering an oar or propeller

Origin: ME fether < OE; akin to Ger feder < IE base *pet-, to fall, fly > Gr pteron, wing, piptein, L petere, to fall, Sans pátati, (he) flies

transitive verb

to provide (an arrow, etc.) with a feather
to cover, fit, or fringe with or as with feathers
to give a featheredge to
to join by inserting a wedge-shaped part into a groove
to turn (the blade of an oar) parallel to the line of movement in recovering after a stroke, so as to offer the least resistance to air or water
1. to turn (the blade of a propeller) on its shaft so that its leading and trailing edges are nearly parallel with the airplane's line of flight, thus preventing engine damage caused by airflow turning the propeller during an engine failure
2. to change the angle of the blades of a helicopter rotor

intransitive verb

to grow, or become covered with, feathers
to move, grow, or extend like feathers
to look like feathers
to feather an oar or propeller

Related Forms:

featherless adjective

See feather in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

One of the light, flat growths forming the plumage of birds, consisting of numerous slender, closely arranged parallel barbs forming a vane on either side of a horny, tapering, partly hollow shaft.
feathers Plumage.
feathers Clothing; attire.
A feathery tuft or fringe of hair, as on the legs or tail of some dogs.
Character, kind, or nature: Birds of a feather flock together.
Something small, trivial, or inconsequential.
a. A strip, wedge, or flange used as a strengthening part.
b. A wedge or key that fits into a groove to make a joint.
The vane of an arrow.
A feather-shaped flaw, as in a precious stone.
The wake made by a submarine's periscope.
The act of feathering the blade of an oar in rowing.

verb feath·ered, feath·er·ing, feath·ers

verb, transitive

To cover, dress, or decorate with or as if with feathers.
To fit (an arrow) with a feather.
a. To thin, reduce, or fringe the edge of by cutting, shaving, or wearing away.
b. To shorten and taper (hair) by cutting and thinning.
To connect with a tongue-and-groove joint.
To turn (an oar blade) almost horizontal as it is carried back after each stroke.
a. To alter the pitch of (a propeller) so that the chords of the blades are parallel with the line of flight.
b. To alter the pitch of (the rotor of a helicoptor) while in forward flight.
To turn off (an aircraft engine) while in flight.

verb, intransitive