contour feather

noun

: one of the medium-sized feathers that form the general covering of a bird and determine the external contour

Examples of contour feather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The contour feathers that streamline a bird’s body, for example, have vaned tips like flight feathers and noninterlocking barbs like down ones. Michael B. Habib, Scientific American, 16 Apr. 2024 The contour feathers interlock and overlap with tiny barbs (actually called barbules), forming a water and windproof protective outer layer on their bodies. Cori Brown, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 20 Oct. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contour feather.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of contour feather was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near contour feather

Cite this Entry

“Contour feather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contour%20feather. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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