contour feather
- noun
- /ˈkɒntʊr ˈfɛðər/
- Specialized
:
pluma de contorno
- While preening, the bird carefully realigned a few loose contour feathers on its wing.
Examples
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The bird's contour feather helps it glide through the air.
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The penguin's contour feathers form a waterproof layer that helps it swim efficiently.
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After molting, the sparrow's new contour feathers made its plumage look especially sleek.
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Many contour feathers are essential for flight.
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The bright colors of the contour feathers make the bird more attractive to potential mates.
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During the molt, the bird loses some of its contour feathers, which affects its appearance.
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The contour feathers provide warmth and help the bird maintain its body shape while flying.
Synonyms
403
1.0
A light flat part of a bird with a thin middle and many thin hair-like parts
How Long
4
2.4
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
3.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'contour' (outline or profile) with 'feather' — i.e., a feather that helps form the bird's outline or shape. This is a straightforward noun–noun compositional pattern and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows the constituent words, despite being a slightly technical ornithological term.
Etymology
Contour feather gets its name from contour meaning the outside shape and feather meaning the bird's covering. These feathers lie over a bird like a smooth coat and give it a clear 'outline', so the name tells their job.