FEATHER Meaning and
Definition
-
Feather is a noun that refers to one of the light, flat-growing, and horny epidermal structures that form the outer covering of birds. These structures consist mainly of a central shaft from which are attached thin, flexible barbs, each bearing tiny, interlocking barbules. The arrangement and structure of the feathers on a bird's body helps to provide insulation, protection, and enable flight.
Feathers are essential for birds. They serve multiple purposes, including maintaining body temperature, enabling flight and aiding in aerodynamics, and protecting the body from external elements. The complex structure of a feather allows it to be lightweight, yet provide strength and flexibility. The barbs and barbules interlock, creating a surface that helps streamline the bird's body during flight.
Feathers also play a significant role in communication and display among birds. They can be brightly colored, patterned, or have unique shapes, helping birds attract mates, establish dominance, or intimidate rivals. In some cases, feathers may also be used for camouflage, blending with the environment to avoid predators or prey.
Feathers are considered iconic symbols of birds and are often associated with flight, freedom, and beauty. They have also been used throughout history for various purposes, such as in fashion, art, and even as writing tools.
In summary, feathers are lightweight, flat structures that grow from a bird's skin, providing insulation, protection, enabling flight, aiding in communication, and serving as symbols of beauty and freedom.
-
• Part of the natural covering of a bird; a plume; the whole feathers of a bird are called its plumage.
• To dress or adorn with feathers.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for FEATHER *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for FEATHER
Etymology of FEATHER
The word "feather" originated from the Middle English word "fether" or "fetheren", which can be traced back to the Old English word "feðer". This Old English word ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*fethrō" or "*fethrōn", which meant "feather". The Proto-Germanic term has Indo-European roots, linked to the Proto-Indo-European base "*pet-", meaning "to rush, fly". This indicates that the word "feather" has a long history and is connected to the act of flying or the wings of birds.
Idioms with the word FEATHER
-
tar and feather sb
The idiom "tar and feather someone" refers to a form of public punishment in which an individual is covered in hot tar and then coated in feathers. This practice was historically employed as a means of humiliation and public disgrace. In a figurative sense, the idiom "tar and feather somebody" means to publicly shame, humiliate, or criticize someone severely for their actions or behavior.
-
birds of a feather flock together
The idiom "birds of a feather flock together" means that people who have similar interests, characteristics, or behaviors tend to associate or form groups with one another. It suggests that individuals with common attributes or preferences are naturally drawn to one another and prefer to spend time or interact with those who are similar to them.
-
birds of a feather
The idiom "birds of a feather" means that people who are similar in character, interests, or values tend to associate with or be friends with each other. It suggests that individuals with similar traits are often drawn together and form social connections.
-
a feather in your cap
The idiom "a feather in your cap" refers to an accomplishment, achievement, or honor that a person can be proud of and is often used as a symbol of success or recognition. It can represent something noteworthy or impressive that adds to one's reputation or personal achievements.
-
be (as) light as a feather
The idiom "be (as) light as a feather" means to feel very light or weightless, either physically or emotionally. It indicates a lack of heaviness or burden, often referring to a sense of carefree or buoyant attitude. It can be used to describe someone who is happy, carefree, or untroubled.
-
feather your own nest
The idiom "feather your own nest" refers to the act of using one's position or resources to enrich oneself or to secure benefits solely for personal gain and comfort, typically at the expense or to the disadvantage of others. It implies a self-centered and opportunistic behavior.
-
(as) light as a feather
The idiom "as light as a feather" refers to something or someone that weighs very little or is very easy to handle or carry. It can also be used figuratively to describe a situation or feeling that is carefree, effortless, or lacking in difficulty.
-
light as a feather
The idiom "light as a feather" is used to describe something or someone that feels very light in weight. It usually implies a sense of weightlessness or having little mass. It can be used both in the literal sense, referring to objects that are physically lightweight, and in a figurative sense, suggesting something that is not burdensome or difficult to handle.
-
a feather in sb's cap
The idiom "a feather in someone's cap" means an achievement, honor, or accomplishment that brings pride, esteem, or added value to someone's reputation or career. It is often used to describe something that enhances someone's success or standing.
-
feather in one's cap
The idiom "feather in one's cap" refers to a noteworthy achievement or accomplishment that brings pride, honor, or recognition to someone. It originated from the practice of placing a feather in the cap as a symbol of an accomplishment or success.
-
tar and feather sm
The idiom "tar and feather someone" refers to a punishment or act of public humiliation where a person is coated with tar, a black sticky substance, and then covered with feathers. It symbolizes publicly shaming or ostracizing someone for their actions or beliefs that are seen as outrageous, immoral, or deserving of ridicule.
-
in fine feather
The idiom "in fine feather" typically means that someone is in good physical or mental condition, feeling healthy, energetic, or in high spirits. It implies that a person is at the peak of their well-being.
-
feather one's (own) nest
To "feather one's (own) nest" means to accumulate wealth or secure personal advantages, often through selfish or dishonest means, in order to ensure one's own comfort and financial security. It refers to someone who takes advantage of a particular situation or position to gain personal benefits at the expense of others.
-
feather one's nest
The idiom "feather one's nest" means to accumulate or secure wealth or resources for oneself, often through selfish or unethical means. It refers to the act of metaphorically lining one's nest, similar to how birds collect feathers to create a comfortable and secure home.
-
in feather
The idiom "in feather" typically refers to someone who is prospering or experiencing financial stability. It can also imply someone who is in a comfortable or fortunate position in life.
-
tar and feather
The idiom "tar and feather" refers to an act of public humiliation and punishment in which someone is covered with tar (a black, sticky substance) and then feathered (coated with feathers). It originated in historical times as a form of punishment or revenge, typically used by mobs or vigilante groups. The act is symbolic of social condemnation, disgrace, and ostracism. Today, the idiom "tar and feather" is commonly used metaphorically to describe situations where someone is publicly shamed, criticized, or exposed to public humiliation for their actions or beliefs.
-
feather in your cap
The idiom "feather in your cap" refers to an accomplishment or achievement that one can be proud of. It is a metaphorical representation of adding a feather to one's hat as a symbol of recognition or honor.
-
tar and feather somebody
To "tar and feather somebody" is an idiom that refers to inflicting public humiliation or punishment upon someone by covering them in hot tar and feathers. This practice was historically used as a form of vigilante justice or as a way to publicly shame and ostracize an individual. In a more metaphorical sense, the phrase implies subjecting someone to public disgrace or severe criticism.
-
light as air/a feather
The idiom "light as air/a feather" refers to something that is extremely light or weightless. It suggests that the object, person, or feeling being described has little to no weight, making it easy to be carried or moved effortlessly. It can also be used figuratively to describe emotions or situations that are delicate, gentle, or transient.
-
(as) black as a raven's feather
The idiom "(as) black as a raven's feather" means extremely black, referring to the dark and glossy color of a raven's plumage.
-
feather brain
The idiom "feather brain" is used to describe someone who is foolish, scatterbrained, or lacking in intelligence. It implies that the person's thoughts and ideas are as light and insubstantial as feathers, suggesting a lack of depth or substance in their thinking process.
-
a feather in someone's cap
The idiom "a feather in someone's cap" refers to an achievement or accomplishment that one can be proud of or take credit for. It implies a sense of honor and recognition for a particular success.
-
feather in cap
The idiom "feather in one's cap" refers to a notable achievement or accomplishment that brings honor, pride, or recognition to someone. It originates from the practice of adding a feather to a person's cap as a symbol of success, typically in battle or hunting.
-
feather in one's cap, a
The idiom "feather in one's cap" is used to describe an accomplishment or achievement that brings pride, honor, or recognition to someone. It suggests that the person can add this achievement to their list of accomplishments, akin to adding a feather to the cap as a symbol of success.
-
feather nest
The idiom "feather nest" typically refers to a comfortable and luxurious living situation or a financial arrangement that provides wealth and comfort without requiring much effort or work. It often implies a situation where someone is enjoying the benefits or rewards of someone else's hard work or financial success.
-
feather your nest
The idiom "feather your nest" means to engage in activities or actions that increase one's wealth, prosperity, or personal comfort, typically through self-serving or dishonest means. It implies the act of accumulating resources or advantages for one's personal benefit, often at the expense of others.
-
fur and feather
The idiom "fur and feather" typically refers to animals, specifically those with fur and feathers. It may be used to describe a diverse group of animals or refer to the overall presence or qualities of animals in a particular place or situation. Additionally, it can sometimes indicate wildlife or the natural world in general.
-
in full feather
The idiom "in full feather" typically means to be in a state of excellent physical condition or health. It refers to the way a bird's feathers appear when they are healthy, vibrant, and fully developed. Thus, when someone is described as being "in full feather," it suggests they are energetic, lively, and at the peak of their physical well-being.
-
tar and feather someone
The idiom "tar and feather someone" means to publicly humiliate or punish someone by covering them in hot tar and then sprinkling feathers on them.
-
a feather in (one's) cap
The idiom "a feather in (one's) cap" refers to a notable achievement or accomplishment that brings honor, recognition, or pride to someone. It symbolizes an accomplishment comparable to a plume or feather added to a person's hat as a mark of distinction or merit.
-
in fine (or high) feather
The idiom "in fine (or high) feather" is an expression used to describe someone who is in a good or excellent physical, emotional, or financial condition. It suggests that the person is thriving or doing exceptionally well. The idiom often emphasizes a sense of well-being and success.
-
you could have knocked me, etc. down with a feather
The idiom "you could have knocked me down with a feather" is used to express extreme surprise, astonishment, or disbelief in response to a shocking or unexpected event or revelation. It implies that the speaker was so surprised that even the slightest touch, symbolized by a feather, would have knocked them off balance or caused them to fall over.
-
you could have knocked me down/over with a feather
The idiom "you could have knocked me down/over with a feather" means to express extreme surprise, shock, or astonishment about something unexpected or unbelievable. It implies being caught completely off guard or stunned to the point of feeling physically unsteady or unbalanced, as if even the slightest touch of a feather would cause one to collapse.
-
knock down with a feather
The idiom "knock down with a feather" is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely surprised, shocked, or astonished by something that has happened or been said. It implies that the person is so stunned that even the slightest touch or disturbance, such as being hit by a feather, would be enough to knock them over.
-
You could have knocked me over with a feather
The idiom "You could have knocked me over with a feather" is used to express extreme surprise or shock at a particular situation or event. It implies that the speaker's astonishment is so intense that it feels as if a slight touch, symbolized by a feather, could knock them off balance.
-
knock (someone) down with a feather
The idiom "knock (someone) down with a feather" means to completely surprise or shock someone with unexpected news, information, or a revealed truth to the point of leaving them speechless or astounded. It conveys the idea of someone being so shocked that they would even become physically weak and fall down if hit by something as light as a feather.
-
show the white feather
The idiom "show the white feather" means to display cowardice or fear in a difficult or dangerous situation. It originates from the idea that a white feather is often associated with surrender or retreat, often used during times of war.
-
You could have knocked me down with a feather!
The idiom "You could have knocked me down with a feather!" is used to express extreme surprise or astonishment. It implies that the speaker is unexpectedly taken aback by something, to the point where even a gentle touch or mild shock could cause them to lose balance and fall.
-
knock (someone) over with a feather
The idiom "knock (someone) over with a feather" refers to the state of extreme surprise or astonishment that leaves someone feeling completely stunned or shocked. It implies that the person is so taken aback by something unexpected or unusual that it feels as though they could be physically knocked over by the slightest touch, even by something as light as a feather.
-
knock sm over (with a feather)
The idiom "knock someone over with a feather" means to utterly surprise or shock someone by revealing unexpected or astonishing news or information. It conveys the idea that the person is so astonished that even a gentle touch, like being hit by a feather, could knock them off balance.
-
knock over with a feather
The idiom "knock over with a feather" means to greatly surprise or astonish someone. It implies that the person is so shocked that they would lose their balance or fall down if they were physically hit with a feather. This expression is used to emphasize how unexpected or unbelievable something is.
-
leather or feather
-
wear the bull's feather
To wear the bull's feather means to take on a dangerous or risky challenge, often in a show of bravery or bravery.
Similar spelling words for FEATHER
- Pin-feather,
- co-father-in-law,
- vithar,
- Father-lasher,
- father-to-be,
- down-feather,
- prince's-feather,
- -father,
- Phtheir,
- Father-long-legs,
- father,
- father-god,
- futher,
- feathery,
- Feather-brained,
- penny-father,
- father-daughter,
- fether,
- Feather-headed,
- faither,
- Feather-spray,
- nursing-father,
- Feather-shaped,
- Feather-shot,
- Cock-feather,
- farther,
- GRANDFATHER-FATHER-SON,
- fetter,
- fathur,
- feeder,
- gay-feather,
- Beam-feather,
- fore-father,
- feature,
- weather,
- feathers,
- Feather-stars,
- tar-and-feather,
- house-father,
- city-father,
- feather-bedding,
- Feather-head,
- heather,
- Feather-veined,
- feather-duster,
- Feather-heeled,
- contour-feather,
- further,
- father-figure,
- how's-your-father,
- vitharr,
- Feather-few,
- Father-land,
- half-feather,
- phthora,
- birds-feather,
- f-f-father,
- featherier,
- step-father,
- father-son,
- co-father,
- FATHER-IN-L,
- s-feather,
- feather-plucking,
- feather-light,
- fatheree,
- mid-feather,
- Feather-weight,
- father-in-law,
- White-feather,
- feather-star,
- feather-tracts,
- fetor,
- Phthor,
- swines-feather,
- feather-edged/,
- father/son,
- father-child,
- prince\'s-feather,
- Fother,
- feather-bed,
- Feather-pated,
- leather,
- ether,
- Feather-edged,
- father-and-son,
- futhore,
- Feather-flowers,
- biological-father,
- Feather-foil,
- grand-father,
- father-confessor,
- feather-like,
- FEDER,
- Feather-grass,
- mother-father,
- God-Father,
- quill-feather,
- flight-feather,
- Feather-edge,
- foster-father,
- Feather-boarding.
Conjugate verb Feather
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have feathered
you
would have feathered
he/she/it
would have feathered
we
would have feathered
they
would have feathered
I
would have feather
you
would have feather
he/she/it
would have feather
we
would have feather
they
would have feather
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been feathering
you
would have been feathering
he/she/it
would have been feathering
we
would have been feathering
they
would have been feathering
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would feather
you
would feather
he/she/it
would feather
we
would feather
they
would feather
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be feathering
you
would be feathering
he/she/it
would be feathering
we
would be feathering
they
would be feathering
FUTURE
I
will feather
you
will feather
he/she/it
will feather
we
will feather
they
will feather
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be feathering
you
will be feathering
he/she/it
will be feathering
we
will be feathering
they
will be feathering
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have feathered
you
will have feathered
he/she/it
will have feathered
we
will have feathered
they
will have feathered
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been feathering
you
will have been feathering
he/she/it
will have been feathering
we
will have been feathering
they
will have been feathering
IMPERATIVE
you
feather
we
let´s feather
to feather
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was feathering
you
were feathering
he/she/it
was feathering
we
were feathering
they
were feathering
PAST PARTICIPLE
feathered
PAST PERFECT
I
had feathered
you
had feathered
he/she/it
had feathered
we
had feathered
they
had feathered
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been feathering
you
had been feathering
he/she/it
had been feathering
we
had been feathering
they
had been feathering
PRESENT
I
feather
you
feather
he/she/it
feathers
we
feather
they
feather
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am feathering
you
are feathering
he/she/it
is feathering
we
are feathering
they
are feathering
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
feathering
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have feathered
you
have feathered
he/she/it
has feathered
we
have feathered
they
have feathered
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been feathering
you
have been feathering
he/she/it
has been feathering
we
have been feathering
they
have been feathering
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
feather
SIMPLE PAST
I
feathered
you
feathered
he/she/it
feathered
we
feathered
they
feathered
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website: