feather

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noun

feath·er ˈfe-t͟hər How to pronounce feather (audio)

: any of the light, horny, epidermal outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of birds

Note: Feathers include the smaller down feathers and the larger contour and flight feathers. Larger feathers consist of a shaft (rachis) bearing branches (barbs) which bear smaller branches (barbules). These smaller branches bear tiny hook-bearing processes (barbicels) which interlock with the barbules of an adjacent barb to link the barbs into a continuous stiff vane. Down feathers lack barbules, resulting in fluffy feathers which provide insulation below the contour feathers.

archaic : plume sense 2a

: the vane of an arrow

: plumage

: kind, nature

birds of a feather flock together

: attire, dress

: condition, mood

woke up in fine feather

feathers plural : composure

some feathers had been ruffled

D. J. Blum

: feathering sense 2

: a projecting strip, rib, fin, or flange

: a feathery flaw in the eye or in a precious stone

: the act of feathering an oar

featherless adjective

a feather in one's cap

phrase

as in jewel

an asset that brings praise or renown Breaking the story for her newspaper was a feather in her cap.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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jewel
trophy
crown jewel
honor
attraction
treasure
pride
pièce de résistance
highlight
glory
credit
excellence
virtue
boast
distinction
showpiece
feature
value
merit

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

disgrace
defect
dishonor
shame
stigma
mess
stain
horror
slur
blot
blemish
smudge
smirch
fright
eyesore

as in accomplishment

a successful result brought about by hard work Winning the lawsuit for her client would be a significant feather in her cap.