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rectrix: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very low (technical term)
UK/ˈrekt.rɪks/US/ˈrɛk.trɪks/

Technical / Scientific

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Quick answer

What does “rectrix” mean?

A main tail feather of a bird, specifically used for steering during flight.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A main tail feather of a bird, specifically used for steering during flight.

Primarily confined to ornithology; no common extended meanings in everyday language.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage; it is a standardized scientific term.

Connotations

Purely technical with no additional connotations in either variant.

Frequency

Equally rare in both British and American English, used almost exclusively in specialized contexts like ornithology.

Grammar

How to Use “rectrix” in a Sentence

noun + of + noun (e.g., rectrix of an eagle)adjective + noun (e.g., broken rectrix)verb + noun (e.g., examine the rectrix)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
tail featherbird rectrixflight rectrix
medium
primary rectrixdamaged rectrixrectrix function
weak
feather structureavian rectrixrectrix morphology

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not applicable; not used in business contexts.

Academic

Used in biological sciences, particularly ornithology and avian anatomy.

Everyday

Rarely used; might appear in birdwatching or hobbyist discussions.

Technical

Common in technical writings on birds, flight mechanics, and zoology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “rectrix”

Neutral

tail feather

Weak

plume

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “rectrix”

  • Misspelling as 'rectrics' or 'rectix'.
  • Using it to refer to any feather, not specifically tail feathers.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

A rectrix is a main tail feather of a bird that is used for steering and control during flight.

In British English, it is pronounced /ˈrekt.rɪks/, and in American English, /ˈrɛk.trɪks/.

No, it is a technical term primarily used in ornithology and related scientific fields.

The plural is 'rectrices', following Latin-derived scientific terminology.

A main tail feather of a bird, specifically used for steering during flight.

Rectrix is usually technical / scientific in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'rect' as in 'direct' – rectrices direct or steer the bird during flight.

Conceptual Metaphor

Guidance or steering mechanism, akin to a rudder in navigation.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The ornithologist carefully examined the to assess the bird's flight capabilities.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of a rectrix in birds?

rectrix: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore