QUILL FEATHER Meaning and
Definition
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A quill feather refers to a specific type of feather found in the wing or tail of birds that possesses a hard, stiff central shaft with a series of slender, flexible barbs branching out from it. Quill feathers are characterized by their large size and strength, making them ideal for providing lift and enabling flight. They are essential for creating a bird's aerodynamic structure, allowing for the efficient movement through the air.
The central shaft of a quill feather, commonly known as the quill or the calamus, is hollow and cylindrical in shape, and it tapers towards the tip. Its lightweight design, combined with the interlocking barbs that grow from it, provides stability and strength to the feather. The barbs on a quill feather are equipped with tiny structures called barbules, which help the barbs to interlock, forming a sturdy vane.
Quill feathers serve multiple functions for birds. They not only enable flight by creating the necessary airfoil shape, but they also aid in insulation, acting as a barrier against the cold and providing a layer of warmth. Additionally, they are involved in displaying courtship rituals, as vibrant and elongated quill feathers are often showcased to attract mates.
Due to their durable nature and flexibility, quill feathers have been historically used for writing implements. In the past, people would fashion feathers into quills for use as pens. They would cut the tip of the quill to create a sharp point, which would then be dipped in ink to write or draw. Today, while more modern materials have largely replaced quill feathers as writing tools, the term "quill feather" is often used to refer specifically to feathers used in this historical context.
Common Misspellings for QUILL FEATHER
- 1uill feather
- 2uill feather
- wuill feather
- auill feather
- qyill feather
- qhill feather
- qjill feather
- qiill feather
- q8ill feather
- q7ill feather
- quull feather
- qujll feather
- qukll feather
- quoll feather
- qu9ll feather
- qu8ll feather
- quikl feather
- quipl feather
- quiol feather
Etymology of QUILL FEATHER
The word "quill" comes from the Middle English word "quille" or "quylle", which means a hollow shaft or tube. It originated from the Old English word "cylla", meaning a stem or stalk. The term "feather" comes from the Old English word "fether" or "feðer", which has Germanic roots and means a covering for flight or plumage.
When combined, "quill feather" refers to a specific type of feather that is used as a writing instrument. The term emphasizes the usage of a bird's primary wing feathers, specifically the larger, stronger ones that have distinctive hollow shafts that are ideal for holding ink.
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