DOWN FEATHERS Meaning and
Definition
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Down feathers are high-quality, delicate feathers found on birds, particularly waterfowl and some game birds. These feathers are characterized by their softness, warmth, and excellent insulating properties. They are usually found beneath the tougher outer feathers and closer to the bird's body, serving as a protective layer and providing thermal insulation.
Unlike the larger contour feathers, down feathers lack a strong central shaft and are composed of a fluffy, lightweight structure called plumule, consisting of numerous branches that emanate from a central point. These branches are densely filled with filamentous barbs, which are further extended by barbules that interlock and create an intricate network of tiny hooks. This unique structure gives the down feathers their distinctive fluffiness and remarkable capacity to trap air.
The exceptional thermal insulation provided by down feathers stems from their ability to trap a significant amount of air within their fluffy structure. The air trapped in the down feathers creates a layer of warmth that helps birds regulate their body temperature even in cold environments. Due to their outstanding thermal properties, down feathers have been highly valued in various industries, including bedding, outerwear, and insulation for jackets and sleeping bags.
The collection and utilization of down feathers have raised concerns about animal welfare, leading to the development of responsible sourcing practices. To minimize harm to birds, many companies now use only feathers obtained as a byproduct of the poultry industry, where birds are raised for meat production. Additionally, several standards and certifications have been established to ensure ethical sourcing and traceability of down feathers.
Common Misspellings for DOWN FEATHERS
- sown feathers
- xown feathers
- cown feathers
- fown feathers
- rown feathers
- eown feathers
- diwn feathers
- dkwn feathers
- dlwn feathers
- dpwn feathers
- d0wn feathers
- d9wn feathers
- doqn feathers
- doan feathers
- dosn feathers
- doen feathers
- do3n feathers
- do2n feathers
- dowb feathers
- dowm feathers
Etymology of DOWN FEATHERS
The word "down" in "down feathers" has a Middle English origin. It can be traced back to the Old English word "dūne", which meant "feathers" or "down". This Old English word came from the Proto-Germanic word "dūniz" which also meant "down". The term "down feathers" is a combination of "down", referring to the soft, fluffy feathers of birds, and "feathers", which originated from a Latin word "penna" meaning "feathers" or "plumage".
Similar spelling word for DOWN FEATHERS
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