plume
(plm)
(plm)n.
1. A feather, especially a large and showy one.
2. A large feather, cluster of feathers, or similar ornament worn on a helmet, hat, or horse's harness.
3. A token of honor or achievement.
4. A mass or stream of material that resembles a long feather:a plume of smoke.
5. An area or section of air, water, or soil containing pollutants released from a point source.
6. Geology An upwelling of molten material from the earth's mantle.
v.plumed, plum·ing, plumes
tr.v.
1. To decorate, cover, or supply with a plume or plumes:"Her black velvet hat was plumed with a spray of violets"(Jim Rasenberger).
2. To smooth or clean (feathers) with the bill or beak; preen.
3. To congratulate (oneself) in a self-satisfied way:plumed himself on his victory.
intr.v.
To rise or emanate in a plume:Smoke plumed from the chimney.
[Middle English, fromOld French, fromLatinplūma.]
plumetop: detail of a 1787 portrait of Count Josef Johann von Fries by Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807)
bottom: volcanic plume at Mount St. Helens, photographed from Harry's Ridge
May 19, 1982