Word: Pennate
Part of Speech: Adjective
Basic Definition: The word "pennate" refers to something that has feathered wings or resembles feathers. It is often used in biological contexts to describe certain types of wings or structures that look like feathers.
In more advanced contexts, "pennate" can also refer to specific types of structures in anatomy or biology that have a feather-like arrangement. For example, in botany, "pennate" can describe certain types of leaves or flowers that have a feathered appearance.
While "pennate" primarily refers to feather-like structures, it can also describe the arrangement of muscle fibers in anatomy, specifically when they are aligned at an angle to the force-generating axis.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that directly use the word "pennate." However, you might encounter phrases related to "feathered" in idioms, such as "a feather in one's cap," which means an achievement or honor.
In summary, "pennate" is an adjective that describes something with feather-like characteristics, especially in the context of wings or structures in biology. You can use it when discussing birds or plants with similar features.