Pronunciation: [plˈuːməs] (IPA) 
The word "plumous" is spelled with a "u" after the "p" rather than an "o" because it is derived from the Latin word "plumosus," which means "feathered." In IPA phonetic transcription, "plumous" is pronounced /ˈpluːməs/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "u" is pronounced with a long "u" sound as in "tool" rather than a short "u" sound as in "butter." The final "s" is pronounced as a voiceless "s" sound.
Plumous is an adjective that describes something as having or resembling feathers. The term originates from the Latin word "pluma," meaning "feather." When used to describe a living being, plumous typically refers to an organism's feathered appearance, specifically to birds or bird-like creatures. It can also be used to describe the overall texture, color, or arrangement of feathers on a bird.
Beyond its literal meaning, plumous can also be used metaphorically to describe something as delicate, light, or airy. For example, one might describe a dancer's movements as plumous, emphasizing the grace and fluidity with which they glide across the stage. Similarly, a writer might use plumous to illustrate the ethereal and poetic quality of their prose.
In visual arts, plumous may describe the technique or style of creating a feathery or feather-like appearance, often seen in fine brushwork or detailed renditions of feathers in paintings and illustrations.
Overall, plumous is a descriptive term that relates specifically to feathers and their characteristics. It captures both the literal and metaphorical aspects of the feather's beauty and delicacy and finds its application in various contexts, including biology, literature, and the visual arts.
In bot., applied to hairs or plants that have branches arranged like the beard on a feather; feathery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "plumous" is derived from the Latin word "plumosus", which means "feathery". The Latin term itself comes from the word "pluma", meaning "feather". Therefore, "plumous" describes something that resembles or is covered in feathers.
