supplemental plumage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (technical/ornithological term)Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “supplemental plumage” mean?
In ornithology, an additional set of feathers grown by some bird species outside their regular molting cycles, often for display or camouflage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In ornithology, an additional set of feathers grown by some bird species outside their regular molting cycles, often for display or camouflage.
More generally, any additional layer, covering, or adornment that is added to something basic or primary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in scientific contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, purely descriptive scientific term.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, confined to technical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “supplemental plumage” in a Sentence
The bird grows supplemental plumage in the spring.The display of supplemental plumage is a key courtship behaviour.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in ornithology papers and textbooks to describe specific feather growth phases.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain; used with precision to describe a specific biological phenomenon.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supplemental plumage”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supplemental plumage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supplemental plumage”
- Mispronouncing 'plumage' as /ˈplʌmɪdʒ/ (like 'plum').
- Using the term in non-biological contexts, which sounds jarring.
- Spelling as 'supplimental plumage'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. Supplemental plumage is one type of plumage that can be grown, and it often functions as breeding plumage, but not all breeding plumage is necessarily supplemental. The terms overlap but are not perfectly synonymous.
It would be a very forced and unnatural metaphor. While you could theoretically say 'her extravagant hat was like supplemental plumage', it is not a standard or recommended figurative use.
No, it is a characteristic of only certain bird species, particularly those where males have elaborate displays to attract mates.
It is pronounced /ˈpluːmɪdʒ/ (PLOO-mij). The 'u' is a long 'oo' sound, as in 'blue', not a short 'u' as in 'plum'.
In ornithology, an additional set of feathers grown by some bird species outside their regular molting cycles, often for display or camouflage.
Supplemental plumage is usually technical / scientific in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this highly technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUPPLEMENTAL = extra, like a supplement to a magazine. PLUMAGE = feathers. So, 'supplemental plumage' is like a bonus set of feathers.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADDITION IS A SUPPLEMENT; ADORNMENT IS A LAYER.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'supplemental plumage' most closely associated with?