- The definition of a feather is one of the flat slender growths that cover the bodies of birds.
An example of a feather is what peacocks drop behind them when they molt.
A beautiful peacock feather.
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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
- a trifle
- a projecting part, esp. for fitting into a groove
- an irregular flaw in a gem
- the fringe of hair along the tail and along the back of the legs of some dogs
- Archaic
- plumage
- attire; dress
- class; kind: enthusiasts of every feather
- frame of mind; temper; vein
- the act of feathering an oar or propeller
Origin: Middle English fether ; from OE; akin to German feder ; from Indo-European base an unverified form pet-, to fall, fly from source Classical Greek pteron, wing, piptein, Classical Latin petere, to fall, Sanskrit 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
- 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
- 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
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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.
- 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.
- To grow feathers or become feathered.
- To move, spread, or grow in a manner suggestive of feathers.
- To feather an oar.
- To feather a propeller.
Origin: Middle English fether, from Old English; see pet- in Indo-European roots.
feather
typical flight feather (left) and a magnified view of vanes (right)
feather - Phrases/Idioms
In addition to the idioms beginning with feather, also see birds of a feather; fuss and feathers; in fine feather; knock down with a feather; light as a feather; make the dust (feathers) fly; ruffle someone's feathers; show the white feather; tar and feather.
feather in one's cap
a distinctive accomplishment; achievement worthy of pride
feather one's nest
to grow rich by taking advantage of circumstances
in feather
feathered
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
feather in (one's) cap
An act or deed to one's credit; a distinctive achievement.
feather (one's) nest
To grow wealthy by taking advantage of one's position or by making use of property or funds left in one's trust.
fine
in /good/high feather
In excellent form, health, or humor.
feather - Science Definition
One of the light, flat structures that cover the skin of birds. A feather is made of a horny substance and has a narrow, hollow shaft bearing flat vanes formed of many parallel barbs. The barbs of outer feathers are formed of even smaller structures (called barbules) that interlock. The barbs of down feathers do not interlock. Evolutionarily, feathers are modified scales, first seen in certain dinosaurs.
feather
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