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Glite Dictionary
pennate

pennate

9.9
Having wings with feathers like a bird
  • adjective
  • /ˈpɛnˌeɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : plumoso
  • The pennate structure of the bird allows for efficient flight.

Examples

  • Can you identify a pennate bird in the sky?

  • The pennate wings of the eagle allow it to soar gracefully.

  • Scientists studied the pennate appendages of ancient insects to understand their evolution.

  • Some fossilized creatures display distinctly pennate wings.

  • The pennate feathers of the bird allowed it to soar gracefully through the sky.

  • Many species of pennate birds have adapted to live in diverse environments, showcasing their unique wing structures.

  • The artist captured the beauty of the pennate wings in her painting, highlighting the delicate feather patterns.

Synonyms

feathered
vspennate
28 1.6

Covered or decorated with feathers

refers specifically to wings having feather covering rather than any body part
feathery
vspennate
6 3.4

Having a light soft texture like feathers

describes actual wings covered in feathers not just a soft appearance

Antonyms

wingless
2 3.5

Not having parts that let birds or insects fly

Surface Forms

pennate positive

Morphology

pennate = penn + ate

The combining form 'penn-' is not a standalone or recognizable English base, so learners cannot derive 'feathered' from familiar English morphemes.

Etymology

Pennate comes from the Latin penna 'feather', the same root that gave us the old writing pen made from a bird's feather. So pennate means 'feather-like', used for wings or body parts that have thin, feather-shaped pieces and help with flight.