tectrices
/ˈtɛktrɪsiːz
/ /tɛkˈtrʌɪsiːz/plural noun (singular tectrix /tɛkˈtrɪks/) Ornithology
The coverts of a bird.Feathers which cover and help mould the shape of the bird are called tetrices....
- The massive and gaudy tail feathers of the Peacock are the tetrices or coverts, the retrices are brown and relatively short and are used to support the fan.
Origin
Late 19th century: modern Latin, from Latin tect- 'covered', from the verb tegere.