contour feather: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific / Ornithological
Quick answer
What does “contour feather” mean?
Any of the outermost feathers of a bird that give the body its streamlined shape, providing waterproofing, coloration, and aerodynamic properties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of the outermost feathers of a bird that give the body its streamlined shape, providing waterproofing, coloration, and aerodynamic properties.
In a broader sense, the term can be used metaphorically in design or aesthetics to refer to a defining outer layer that establishes the visible shape and smooth surface of an object.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical and descriptive in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both regions, confined to scientific and birdwatching contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “contour feather” in a Sentence
The [bird] has/possesses/displayed [adj] contour feathers.Contour feathers [verb] on the [body part].Contour feathers are essential/important/crucial for [function].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “contour feather” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The bird's contour-feather structure was examined.
- We studied the contour-feather coverage.
American English
- The contour-feather arrangement provides insulation.
- A contour-feather tract runs along the back.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in biological sciences, zoology, and ornithology papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Describes a specific feather type in bird anatomy, taxidermy, and bird care guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “contour feather”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “contour feather”
- Mispronouncing 'contour' as /kənˈtaʊər/. Using it as a general term for any feather. Confusing it with 'flight feather' (a specific type of contour feather on wings and tail).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Contour feathers are the stiff, outer feathers that create the smooth body shape and are often waterproof. Down feathers are soft, fluffy, and lie beneath the contour feathers primarily for insulation.
Most of the visible feathers are contour feathers, but you might also see the tips of underlying down or specialized feathers like bristles around the beak.
Yes, the large flight feathers on the wings (remiges) and tail (rectrices) are specialized types of contour feathers designed for generating lift and thrust.
No, it is a highly specialized scientific term. You will only encounter it in specific contexts related to birds, biology, or perhaps art/taxidermy.
Any of the outermost feathers of a bird that give the body its streamlined shape, providing waterproofing, coloration, and aerodynamic properties.
Contour feather is usually technical / scientific / ornithological in register.
Contour feather: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.tɔː ˈfɛð.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.tʊr ˈfɛð.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the CONTOUR of a hill on a map. CONTOUR FEATHERS define the visible shape (the contour) of a bird.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY AS A SHAPED STRUCTURE; FEATHERS AS TILES/SHINGLES (contour feathers overlap like roof tiles to create a smooth surface).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a contour feather?