rectrix

noun rec·trix \ˈrek-triks\

plural rec·tri·ces \ˈrek-trə-ˌsēz, rek-ˈtrī-(ˌ)sēz\

Definition of RECTRIX

: any of the quill feathers of a bird's tail that are important in controlling flight direction — see bird illustration

New Latin, from Latin, feminine of rector one that directs

First Known Use: 1813

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