pteryla

noun

pter·​y·​la ˈter-ə-lə How to pronounce pteryla (audio)
plural pterylae ˈter-ə-ˌlē How to pronounce pteryla (audio)
-ˌlī
: one of the definite areas of the skin of a bird on which feathers grow

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek pteron + hylē wood, forest

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pteryla was in 1867

Dictionary Entries Near pteryla

Cite this Entry

“Pteryla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pteryla. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pteryla

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!