pterylology

P3T1E1R1Y4L1O1L1O1G2Y4

noun

The study of distribution of feathers on birds.

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Meanings

nounpterylology (uncountable)
  1. obsoleterareuncountablebiologyThe study of distribution of feathers on birds.
    1 more example

    He gives some minute and valuable descriptions of the species, particularly as regards its pterylology and structure in comparison with other birds, as well as a detailed account of its habits, so as almost to justify the use of poisoned grain, which he seems to have tried in order to obtain specimens.

    1864, The Ibis, volume 6, page 198

Origin

From pteryla + -ology.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

pterylology. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pterylology

MLA

“pterylology.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pterylology. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “pterylology,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pterylology.

Source: pterylology on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.