How Do You Spell AFTERSHAFT?

Pronunciation: [ˈaftəʃˌaft] (IPA)

The word "aftershaft" is spelled with the letters A-F-T-E-R-S-H-A-F-T. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /ˈæftərˌʃæft/. The word refers to a secondary feather that is attached to the primary feather of a bird. It is usually located towards the base of the primary feather and helps the bird with balance and maneuvering in flight. The spelling of "aftershaft" may be confusing to some due to the combination of "f" and "t" sounds, but with practice, it can easily be mastered.

AFTERSHAFT Meaning and Definition

1. Aftershaft is a noun that refers to a secondary or additional shaft found in birds. It is a specialized feature on certain bird feathers that lies beneath the main shaft, known as the rachis. The aftershaft acts as a secondary support structure for the feather, contributing to its stability and durability.

   The aftershaft runs parallel to the rachis and is usually shorter in length. It is comprised of fine, downy barbs or bristles, which are softer and more flexible than those found on the main shaft. These barbs typically lack the hook-like structures, called barbules, that aid in interlocking and forming the feather vane on the rachis.

   Birds possess aftershafts primarily on their flight feathers, such as the primary and secondary feathers of the wings. In some species, the presence and structure of the aftershaft can vary, serving different purposes. For instance, in certain birds of prey, the aftershaft may be more extensive, providing extra support and control during flight maneuvers.

   Overall, the aftershaft plays a significant role in enhancing the aerodynamic properties of feathers, aiding in flight performance and stability during various locomotive activities. It represents an important adaptation of avian anatomy, allowing birds to excel in their respective ecological niches.

Common Misspellings for AFTERSHAFT

• zftershaft
• sftershaft
• wftershaft
• qftershaft
• adtershaft
• actershaft
• avtershaft
• agtershaft
• attershaft
• artershaft
• afrershaft
• affershaft
• afgershaft
• afyershaft
• af6ershaft
• af5ershaft
• aftwrshaft
• aftsrshaft
• aftdrshaft
• aftrshaft
• aftershaf
• aftershafe
• aftershaef

Etymology of AFTERSHAFT

The word "aftershaft" originated from Middle English, but its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "æftersceaft". The term is composed of two elements: "æfter", meaning "after", and "sceaft", which translates to "shaft" or "arrow". In the context of ornithology, "aftershaft" refers to the smaller, secondary feathers growing from the main feathers of a bird's wing.

Similar spelling words for AFTERSHAFT

• after-hours,
• afterimage,
• afterpains,
• aftertaste,
• after-shave,
• aftermost,
• aftershafted,
• afterdamp,
• aftershock,
• afterwards,
• aftercare,
• after part,
• afterbirth,
• aftermath,
• after hours,
• afterworld,
• afterward,
• after all.

Plural form of AFTERSHAFT is AFTERSHAFTS