feather
UK[ˈfeðə(r)]US[ˈfeðər]
n
Any one of the light, flat growths that cover a bird's body, consisting of a central hollow stem with soft, interlocking strands on either side.
n
A long, thin piece or object that is light and delicate, resembling a bird's feather.
Etymology
The word 'feather' descends directly from the Old English 'feþer', which itself has a clear Proto-Germanic origin in 'feþrō'. This Germanic root is further traceable to the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) base 'pet-', meaning 'to rush, fly'. This etymological journey reveals the core logic of the word: the very essence of a feather is defined by its function in flight. The semantic connection from the ancient concept of rushing or flying to the modern object is direct and intuitive, as feathers are the primary structures that enable birds to fly. Over centuries, the word's form stabilized in Middle English to 'fether' before settling into its modern spelling, while its fundamental meaning has remained remarkably constant.
Analysis
The word 'feather' is a simplex word derived from a single, indivisible Old English root.
Examples
The eagle preened its glossy black feather.
He found a delicate feather on the forest path.
The pillow was stuffed with soft goose feathers.