peacock's tail
/ˌpiːkɒks ˈteɪl/noun
1The tail coverts of a peacock collectively, which the bird is able to erect and expand like a fan behind its body..
2 Alchemy. An iridescent or multicoloured stage in the preparation of the philosopher's stone. Now historical.
3The seaweed Padina pavonia, which has broadly fan-shaped fronds marked with fringed bands in shades of brown and green.
Origin
Early 16th century. From the genitive of peacock + tail. In β form from peacock + tail.
- reaction centre
- reaction chamber
- reaction coil
- reaction drive
- reaction engine
- reaction force
- reaction formation
- reaction index
- reactionism
- reactionist
- reaction jet
- reaction machine
- reaction mechanism
- reaction mixture
- reaction motor
- reaction pattern
- reaction process
- reaction propulsion
- reaction rim
- reaction shot
- reaction time
- reaction turbine
- reaction type
- reaction vessel
- reaction waterwheel