remiges
Noun (plural only, singular form: remex):
- Primary flight feathers: In ornithology, "remiges" (pronounced /ˈrɛmɪdʒiːz/) are the large, stiff feathers located on the wings of birds that are essential for generating lift and thrust during flight. They are attached to the bones of the wing (the humerus, radius, ulna, and manus) and form the main surface area of the wing.
- (The primary flight feathers were broken, impairing flight.)
- (Researchers examine these wing feathers to learn about aerodynamic adaptations.)
- (The process of losing and regrowing flight feathers occurs in a specific sequence.)
"Remiges primarii": The outermost, longest flight feathers attached to the hand bones (manus), providing the main thrust.
- The remiges primarii of a peregrine falcon are exceptionally stiff for high-speed dives. (The primary feathers are adapted for speed.)
"Remiges secundarii": The inner flight feathers attached to the forearm bones (ulna), contributing to lift and stability.
- In owls, the remiges secundarii have soft edges to reduce noise during flight. (The secondary feathers are modified for silent hunting.)
Remex (n, singular): one individual flight feather from the set of remiges.
- Each remex is carefully aligned to form a smooth wing surface. (A single feather in the series.)
Rectrices (n, plural): the tail feathers of a bird, used for steering and braking.
- While remiges provide propulsion, rectrices control direction. (Both sets of feathers work together in flight.)
- Flight feathers: a general term for both remiges (wing) and rectrices (tail).
- Primary feathers: often used synonymously with remiges primarii in casual birdwatching contexts.
- Wing quills: an older or less technical term for the large feathers of the wing.
- — this is a highly technical term used primarily in biology and ornithology, not in everyday idioms.
- — "remiges" is a noun with no associated phrasal verbs.