Dictionary > Plume

Plume

plume
1. A feather; especially, a soft, downy feather, or a long, conspicuous, or handsome feather. Wings . . . Of many a coloured plume. (milton)
2. (Science: zoology) An ornamental tuft of feathers.
3. A feather, or group of feathers, worn as an ornament; a waving ornament of hair, or other material resembling feathers. His high plume, that nodded o’er his head. (Dryden)
4. A token of honor or prowess; that on which one prides himself; a prize or reward. Ambitious to win from me some plume.
5. (Science: botany) A large and flexible panicle of inflorescence resembling a feather, such as is seen in certain large ornamental grasses.
(Science: zoology) Plume bird, any bird that yields ornamental plumes, especially the species of Epimarchus from new guinea, and some of the herons and egrets, as the white heron of Florida (Ardea candidissima). Plume grass.
(Science: botany) An aromatic Australian tree (Atherosperma moschata), whose numerous carpels are tipped with long plumose persistent styles.
Origin: F, fr. L. Pluma. Cf. Fly.
1. To pick and adjust the plumes or feathers of; to dress or prink. Pluming her wings among the breezy bowers. (W. Irving)
2. To strip of feathers; to pluck; to strip; to pillage; also, to peel.
3. To adorn with feathers or plumes. Farewell the plumed troop.
4. To pride; to vaunt; to boast; used reflexively; as, he plumes himself on his ski
527
ll.
(Science: medicine) Plumed adder, the California mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus). See Mountain quail, under Mountain.
Origin: Cf. F. Plumer to pluck, to strip, L. Plumare to cover with feathers.


You will also like...

"Opabinia regalis"
The Evolutionary Development of Multicellular Organisms

Multicellular organisms evolved. The first ones were likely in the form of sponges. Multicellularity led to the evolutio..

An artistic depiction of a human embryo
Growth and Development of a Human Baby

Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..

Still Water Community Plants
Still Water Community Plants

This tutorial looks at the adaptations of freshwater plants for them to thrive in still water habitats. Familiarize your..

A chart depicting Mendel's Law of Dominance
Mendel’s Law & Mendelian Genetics

One of Mendel’s law of inheritance is the “law of dominance”. Read this tutorial to know more about this form of i..

3D rendering of an antibody
Passive and Active Types of Immunity

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell capable of producing a specific immune response to unique antigens. In thi..

Body temperature regulation by the hypothalamus
Temperature Regulation in Animals

This tutorial elucidates body temperature regulation. Know the details here to learn how the body sets the body temperat..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics