feather

One of the light, soft structures covering a bird, helping it fly and stay warm.

• A feather fell from the bird.
• The duck has bright green feathers.
• She found a long feather beside the pond.

Common phrases: tail feather, white feather, feather pillow, wing feather

A long raised strip that strengthens a part or fits into a groove to hold parts together.

• The feather fits into this groove.
• A metal feather prevents the wheel from turning on the shaft.
• The engineer replaced the worn feather.

Similar words: spline, key

Common phrases: sliding feather, metal feather, feather key

To arrange or cut something in soft layers that spread out like a bird’s covering.

• The stylist will feather my hair.
• She feathered the ends for a softer shape.
• Can you feather the fringe slightly?

Similar words: layer

Common phrases: feather someone’s hair, feather the ends

To make something lighter or give it wings.

• Music feathered the weary hours.
• Hope seemed to feather his spirit.
• The poet imagined a charm that could feather a heavy heart.

Similar words: lighten

Opposites: weigh down

Common phrases: feather the hours, feather something