quill feather
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun A large, stiff feather from the wing or tail of a bird, characterized by a strong central shaft (the quill) and used primarily for flight or steering.
Usage
The term "quill feather" refers specifically to the primary flight feathers. It is a technical term often used in ornithology, biology, and historical contexts (e.g., quill pens).
Examples
- The eagle lost a primary quill feather during the aerial confrontation.
- In the past, scribes dipped the hollow end of a quill feather into ink to write.
- The museum displayed a collection of quill feathers from various bird species.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase "quill feather" is sometimes used in heraldry and coat of arms descriptions.
- In historical fashion, quill feathers were used as decorative plumes in hats and headdresses.
Variants and Related Words
- Quill (noun): The hollow, lower part of the shaft of a feather, especially when used as a writing instrument.
- Flight Feather (noun): A more general modern term for the large wing and tail feathers used in flight; a synonym for "quill feather."
- Primary Feather (noun): Specifically refers to the outermost quill feathers on a bird's wing, crucial for thrust in flight.
- Pinion (noun): The outer part of a bird's wing including the flight feathers; can also refer specifically to a quill feather.
Synonyms
- Flight feather
- Remex (technical term for a wing quill feather)
- Rectrix (technical term for a tail quill feather)
Related Phrases
- To be in full quill: An archaic idiom meaning to be fully dressed or equipped, alluding to a bird having all its feathers.
- Quill pen: A writing tool made from the shaft of a quill feather.
Noun
- any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird