rectrix

[ rek-triks ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

, Ornithology.

, plural rec·tri·ces [rek-, trahy, -seez, rek, -tr, uh, -seez].

rectrix

/ ˈrɛktrɪks; rɛkˈtrɪʃəl /

any of the large stiff feathers of a bird's tail, used in controlling the direction of flight

Origin of rectrix¹

1605–15; < Latin rēctrīx, feminine of rēctor rector

Origin of rectrix¹

C17: from Late Latin, feminine of rector governor, rector

Rectrix, rek′triks, n. one of the long tail-feathers of a bird, so called because used in steering the bird in its flight:—pl.

The exterior rectrix is entirely black; the second has a clear brown stripe on the inside border.

The outermost rectrix of No. 31633 is wholly white; the second rectrix is nearly as white.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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