feather
Noun 1. A light, flat structure that grows from a bird's skin, forming its outer covering: One of the many light, horny, waterproof structures that make up a bird's plumage. Each feather consists of a central shaft with fine barbs on either side. 2. A similar or comparable thing: Something very light, small, or insignificant, resembling a bird's feather. 3. A notch or flaw in a gemstone: A specific type of imperfection or crack in the surface of a precious stone.
Verb 1. To grow feathers; to become covered with feathers: (Of a bird) to develop its plumage. 2. To turn an oar or paddle parallel to the water during the recovery stroke: In rowing or canoeing, to rotate the blade horizontally to reduce air/water resistance. 3. To fit or cover with feathers: To attach feathers to something, such as an arrow. 4. To join precisely, as in carpentry: To fit together, like a tongue and groove joint.
Noun * The blue feather from the jay's wing was incredibly vibrant. * It was so light, it was no heavier than a feather. * The diamond was nearly perfect, with only a tiny feather visible under magnification.
Verb * The young birds will soon feather and be ready to leave the nest. * Remember to feather your oar as you bring it forward for the next stroke. * The craftsman will feather the arrow shafts with goose feathers.
- A feather in one's cap: An achievement to be proud of; an honor.
- Winning the award was a real feather in her cap.
- Birds of a feather flock together: People with similar interests, backgrounds, or characters tend to associate with each other.
- They're all avid gamers—birds of a feather flock together.
- In high feather: In excellent spirits or health; very cheerful.
- After the good news, he was in high feather all day.
- To show the white feather: To show cowardice.
- He didn't show the white feather, even in the face of danger.
- Feathery (adjective): Resembling or covered with feathers; very light and soft.
- The plant had delicate, feathery leaves.
- Feathered (adjective): Covered with or having feathers.
- The feathered dinosaur fossil was a remarkable discovery.
- Feathering (noun): The pattern, arrangement, or act of turning an oar.
- The smooth feathering of his stroke made him an efficient rower.
- Noun: Plume, quill, down.
- Verb: Fledge, rotate, adorn.
- To feather one's nest: To enrich oneself, especially by taking advantage of one's position, often dishonestly.
- The corrupt official used his power to feather his own nest.
- As light as a feather: Extremely light in weight.
- The package was as light as a feather.
- You could have knocked me down with a feather: An expression of extreme surprise or astonishment.
- When I heard the news, you could have knocked me down with a feather.
- turning an oar parallel to the water between pulls
- the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
- grow feathers
- The young sparrows are fledging already
- turn the oar, while rowing
- turn the paddle; in canoeing
- cover or fit with feathers
- join tongue and groove, in carpentry