quill

• Sustantivo que designa un instrumento de escritura hecho de una pluma de ave, la espina rígida y hueca de un puercoespín o erizo, o cualquiera de las plumas grandes de vuelo o timoneras de un ave, incluido el raquis hueco.

A noun referring to a writing instrument made from a bird's feather, a stiff hollow spine of a porcupine or hedgehog, or any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird, including the hollow spine of a feather.

1. Writing instrumentB1formal

   A pen made from a bird's feather, historically used for writing with ink.

   Pluma de ave para escribir

   • The scribe dipped his quill into the inkwell.
   • She wrote the letter with a goose quill.
   • Quills were the primary writing tool before the invention of the fountain pen.

   Sinónimosquill pen

2. Animal spineB1formal

   A stiff, hollow, protective spine found on porcupines and hedgehogs.

   Púa de puercoespín o erizo

   • The porcupine raised its quills when threatened.
   • A hedgehog's quills are sharp and can be dangerous.
   • He accidentally touched the porcupine and got a quill stuck in his hand.

   Sinónimospricklespine

3. Bird featherB2formal

   Any of the larger wing or tail feathers of a bird.

   Pluma de ave

   • The eagle's quills were used in traditional ceremonies.
   • He collected quills from the forest floor for his art project.
   • The bird's quills are essential for flight.

   Sinónimosflight featherpinionquill feather

4. Feather spineC1formal

   The hollow central shaft or spine of a feather.

   raquis de la pluma

   • The quill of the feather is hollow and lightweight.
   • Artists sometimes use the quill of a feather for delicate painting.
   • The quill provides structural support for the feather.

   Sinónimoscalamusrachisshaftstem