feather

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Derived terms 1.3.2 Translations 1.4 Verb 1.4.1 Derived terms 1.4.2 Translations

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

Old English feþer.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP)
  • IPA: [ˈfɛð̥ə], IPA: /"fɛð.ə(ɹ)/
  • SAMPA: /"fED.@(r)/
• (GA)
  • IPA: [ˈfɛð̥ɚ]
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -ɛðə(r)

[edit] Noun

feather (plural feathers)

1. A branching, hair-like structure that grows on the wings of birds that allows their wings to create lift.

[edit] Derived terms

• birds of a feather flock together
• fine feathers make fine birds
• light as a feather

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to feather (third-person singular simple present feathers, present participle feathering, simple past and past participle feathered)

1. To cover with feathers.
2. To arrange in the manner or appearance of feathers.
3. (ambitransitive, rowing) To rotate the oars while they are out of the water to reduce wind resistance.
4. (aeronautics) To streamline the blades of an aircraft's propeller by rotating them perpendicular to the axis of the propeller when the engine is shut down so that the propeller doesn't windmill as the aircraft flies.
   • After striking the bird, the pilot feathered the left, damaged engine's propeller.
5. (carpentry, engineering) To finely shave or bevel an edge

[edit] Derived terms

• feather one's nest/feather one's own nest
• tar and feather

[edit] Translations

This word is a Wiktionary:Basic English Word List word.

It is under review as part of the Project - Basic English Word Cleanup. At the moment it is classed as Ready.