feather
noun
feath·er
| \ ˈfe-t͟hər
\
\
Definition of feather
(Entry 1 of 3)
1a
: any of the light, horny, epidermal outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of birds
Note: Feathers include the smaller down feathers and the larger contour and flight feathers. Larger feathers consist of a shaft (rachis) bearing branches (barbs) which bear smaller branches (barbules). These smaller branches bear tiny hook-bearing processes (barbicels) which interlock with the barbules of an adjacent barb to link the barbs into a continuous stiff vane. Down feathers lack barbules, resulting in fluffy feathers which provide insulation below the contour feathers.
c
: the vane of an arrow
4
: a projecting strip, rib, fin, or flange
5
: a feathery flaw in the eye or in a precious stone
6
: the act of feathering an oar
a feather in one's cap
: a mark of distinction : honor
feather
verb
feathered;
feathering\ ˈfet͟h-riŋ
, ˈfe-t͟hə- \
, ˈfe-t͟hə- \
Definition of feather (Entry 2 of 3)
1a
: to furnish (something, such as an arrow) with a feather
b
: to cover, clothe, or adorn with or as if with feathers
2a
: to turn (an oar blade) almost horizontal when lifting from the water at the end of a stroke to reduce air resistance
b(1)
: to change the angle of (airplane propeller blades) so that the chords become approximately parallel to the line of flight
also
: to change the angle of airplane propeller blades of (an engine) in such a manner
(2)
: to change the angle of (a rotor blade of a rotorcraft) periodically in forward flight
3
: to reduce the edge of to a featheredge
4a
of a bird
: to cut (the air) with a wing
b
of a fish
: to cut (the water) with a fin
5
: to join by a tongue and groove
6
: to hit, throw, pass, or shoot softly and usually with precision
feathered a perfect lob over the net
1
: to grow or form feathers
2
: to have or take on the appearance of a feather or something feathered
3
: to soak in and spread : blur
—used of ink or a printed impression
4
: to feather an oar or an airplane propeller blade
feather one's nest
: to provide for oneself especially financially by unethically exploiting a position of trust
Feather
geographical name
Feath·er
| \ ˈfe-t͟hər
\
\
Definition of Feather (Entry 3 of 3)
river 100 miles (161 kilometers) long in north central California flowing south into the Sacramento River
Illustration of feather
Noun
feather 1a: A: 1 quill, 2 vane; B: 1 barb, 2 barbule, 3 barbicel with hamulus
In the meaning defined above
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