contour feather
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"However, it could be a covert or a contour feather, especially since the latter are not well known in Archaeopteryx."
From Fox News
Sleek contour feathers over thick down, pearls of water running over white feathers thick and curled as paper sculpture.
From New York Times
He was so close she could hear his contour feathers buzz in the wind.
From Literature
The down-feathers are generally completely hidden by the contour feathers: they form in many birds, such as gulls and ducks, a thick underclothing comparable to the under-fur of mammals such as the seals.
From Project Gutenberg
Most of the down and contour feathers were removed to allow the preservative to reach the skin.
From Project Gutenberg
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.