Definition

Adjective: - Having a tail that is rigid or not flexible; describes an animal, especially a bird, whose tail feathers are held in a firm, unmoving position.

Usage

This adjective is used specifically to describe the physical characteristic of an animal possessing a tail that lacks flexibility. It is most commonly applied in ornithology to categorize certain waterfowl. - The term is typically used in a literal, biological sense and is not commonly applied metaphorically.

Examples

• The stiff-tailed duck is a skilled diver.
• One identifying feature of the ruddy duck is that it is stiff-tailed.
• Observers noted the stiff-tailed posture of the bird as it swam.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in compound names for specific bird species, such as "stiff-tailed duck," which refers to ducks in the tribe Oxyurini (e.g., ruddy ducks, masked ducks).
• In technical descriptions, it may be used to contrast with other tail types, e.g., "Unlike the fan-shaped tail of a mallard, the ruddy duck has a stiff-tailed profile."

Variants and Related Words

• Stiff-tailed duck (n): A common name for any duck belonging to the tribe Oxyurini, characterized by long, stiff tail feathers that are often cocked upward.

Synonyms

• Rigid-tailed: Having a rigid tail. (Less common, more technical)
• With a stiff tail: A descriptive phrase with the same meaning.

Antonyms

• Limp-tailed: Having a drooping, flexible tail.
• Flexible-tailed: Having a tail capable of bending easily.

Adjective

1. having a stiff tail