tertial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Specialist)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “tertial” mean?
Relating to the third row of flight feathers on a bird's wing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the third row of flight feathers on a bird's wing.
In ornithology, a tertial is one of the flight feathers (remiges) that are attached to the humerus bone, forming the innermost part of the wing's trailing edge. They are crucial for flight control and stability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no cultural or regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “tertial” in a Sentence
The [adjective] tertial [verb]...A study of the tertial [noun]...Tertials are [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tertial” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The tertial feather arrangement is diagnostic for this species.
- The moult sequence affects the tertial coverts first.
American English
- The tertial feather arrangement is diagnostic for this species.
- The molt sequence affects the tertial coverts first.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in ornithological research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used for precise description of avian morphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tertial”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tertial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tertial”
- Using it as a general adjective (e.g., 'a tertial issue').
- Confusing it with 'tertiary' in non-ornithological contexts.
- Misspelling as 'tertiel' or 'tertual'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in ornithology and birdwatching.
No, it is almost exclusively used as a noun (referring to the feather) or as an attributive adjective (e.g., 'tertial feather').
Tertials are attached to the humerus (upper arm bone), while secondaries are attached to the ulna (forearm bone). Tertials are the innermost set of main flight feathers.
Yes, all flying birds have tertial feathers as part of their wing structure, though their number and appearance vary between species.
Relating to the third row of flight feathers on a bird's wing.
Tertial is usually technical/scientific in register.
Tertial: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɜː.ʃəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɝː.ʃəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TERTIARY' (third) + 'feather' = TERTIAL. It's the third set of major flight feathers.
Conceptual Metaphor
None applicable; it is a precise anatomical term.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'tertial'?