barbule
Tiny feather filament
A barbule is one of the tiny, hair-like projections that branch off from the barbs of a feather.
Barbs are the parallel filaments extending from a feather's central shaft; barbules branch from these, interlocking with neighboring barbules through microscopic hooks to create the feather's smooth, unified surface.
The structure allows feathers to be lightweight yet aerodynamic.
Bird's body covering
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
- downToward lower ground
- preenGroom with self-satisfaction
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
flight · ornithology · waterproofing · insulation · birdwatching · iridescence · contour · coverts
Diminutive curved fastener
- hookCurved catching device
- loopCurve closing on itself
- meshInterlocking open weave
- fastenFix securely in position
attach · connect · engage · link · clasp · grip · adhere · velcro
Yielding to gentle pressure
- smoothnessFreedom from irregularity
- silkySmooth and lustrous
- downyHaving soft, fine texture
- fluffySoft and light-textured
gossamer · delicate · fine · wispy · plush · fuzzy · tactile · filamentous
Central supporting shaft
- vaneWind direction indicator
- quillFeather used for writing
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
- calamusAromatic rhizome or reed
hooklet · downy · contour · coverts · bristle · pinfeather · keratin · melanin
Submillimeter material composition
- keratinStructural hair protein
- biopolymerNaturally produced macromolecule
- cortexOrgan's external tissue
- medullaInnermost organ tissue
nanometer · morphology · ultrastructure · micrograph · cross-section · biomaterial · cell · ridge
Mechanism for vertical transport
- glideMove with effortless continuity
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- dragResistance through fluid
- airflowMovement of atmosphere
streamline · turbulence · soar · flap · wingbeat · maneuverability · insulation · waterproofing
feather
Bird's body covering
molting · flight · ornithology · waterproofing · insulation · birdwatching · iridescence · contour · coverts · songbird
hooklet
Diminutive curved fastener
fasten · attach · connect · engage · link · clasp · grip · adhere · velcro · zipper
softness
Yielding to gentle pressure
- smoothnessFreedom from irregularity
- silkySmooth and lustrous
- downyHaving soft, fine texture
fluffy · gossamer · delicate · fine · wispy · plush · fuzzy · tactile · filamentous · feathery
rachis
Central supporting shaft
calamus · hooklet · downy · contour · coverts · bristle · pinfeather · keratin · melanin · afterfeather
microstructure
Submillimeter material composition
- keratinStructural hair protein
- biopolymerNaturally produced macromolecule
- cortexOrgan's external tissue
medulla · nanometer · morphology · ultrastructure · micrograph · cross-section · biomaterial · cell · ridge · node
lift
Mechanism for vertical transport
airflow · streamline · turbulence · soar · flap · wingbeat · maneuverability · insulation · waterproofing · surface