Dictionary
1plume
noun \ˈplüm\
: a feather or group of feathers on a bird
: a decoration made of feathers or something similar
: something (such as smoke, steam, or water) that rises into the air in a tall, thin shape
Full Definition of PLUME
1
: a feather of a bird: as a : a large conspicuous or showy feather b : contour feather c : plumage d : a cluster of distinctive feathers
2
a : material (as a feather, cluster of feathers, or a tuft of hair) worn as an ornament b : a token of honor or prowess : prize
3
: something resembling a feather (as in shape, appearance, or lightness): as a : a plumose appendage of a plant b : an elongated and usually open and mobile column or band (as of smoke, exhaust gases, or blowing snow) c : an animal structure having a main shaft bearing many hairs or filamentous parts; especially : a full bushy tail d : any of several columns of molten rock rising from the earth's lower mantle that are theorized to drive tectonic plate movement and to underlie hot spots
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Illustration of PLUME
Origin of PLUME
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin pluma small soft feather — more at fleece
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to PLUME
- Synonyms
- accolade, blue ribbon, decoration, distinction, honor, kudo, award, premium, prize
Other Geology Terms
2plume
verb
plumedplum·ing
Definition of PLUME
transitive verb
1
a : to provide or deck with feathers b : to array showily
2
: to indulge (oneself) in pride with an obvious or vain display of self-satisfaction
3
of a bird a : to preen and arrange the feathers of (itself) b : to preen and arrange (feathers)
First Known Use of PLUME
15th century
PLUMES Defined for Kids
plume
noun \ˈplüm\
Definition of PLUME for Kids
1
: a large or showy feather of a bird
2
: an ornamental feather or tuft of feathers (as on a hat)
3
: something shaped like a large feather <a plume of smoke>
— plumed \ˈplümd\ adjective <a plumed cap>
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