feather

• Nom désignant l'une des structures légères, douces et plates qui poussent sur la peau des oiseaux et couvrent leur corps. Peut aussi désigner un objet léger ressemblant à une plume ou un accessoire en plume.

A noun referring to one of the light, soft, flat structures that grow from the skin of birds and cover their bodies.

1. Bird coveringA1formal

   One of the light, soft, flat structures that grow from a bird's skin and cover its body.

   plume d'oiseau

   • The bird lost a feather during its flight.
   • She found a beautiful blue feather on the ground.
   • Feathers help birds to fly and stay warm.

   Synonymesdownplumequill

2. Decorative itemA2informal

   A feather used as an ornament or decoration, often in hats or costumes.

   Plume décorative

   • Her hat was decorated with an ostrich feather.
   • The costume had colorful feathers sewn onto the sleeves.
   • He wore a feather in his cap as a symbol of achievement.

   Synonymesaigrettepanacheplume

• Verbe signifiant couvrir, garnir ou décorer de plumes, ou orienter (les rames) de manière à ce que les pales soient horizontales afin de réduire la résistance au vent.

A verb meaning to cover, line, or decorate with feathers, or to turn (oars) so that the blades are horizontal to reduce wind resistance.

1. To cover or line with feathersB2formal

   To provide or adorn something with feathers, often used in the context of making pillows, quilts, or arrows.

   garnir de plumes

   • The artisan feathered the arrows for better flight.
   • She feathered the pillow with soft goose down.
   • They feathered the costume for the carnival parade.

   Synonymesfledgeplume

2. To rotate blades (aviation)C1formaltechnical

   To adjust the angle of a propeller blade so that it presents the least resistance to the air, typically in an emergency or to reduce drag.

   mettre en drapeau (hélice)

   • The pilot feathered the propeller after the engine failed.
   • He feathered the blades to minimize drag during the descent.
   • The aircraft's system automatically feathers the propellers in case of a malfunction.

3. To move softly or lightlyB2informal

   To move or touch something in a light, gentle, or delicate manner, similar to the way a feather moves.

   se déplacer légèrement

   • She feathered her fingers through his hair.
   • The dancer feathered across the stage with grace.
   • He feathered the paintbrush over the canvas to create a soft effect.

   Synonymesbrushcaressdriftfloatfluttergrazeskimstroketouchwaft