See Also: feather(1)(dictionary)
feather bed(dictionary)
sea feather(medicine)
feather(encyclopedia)
feather(2)(dictionary)
feather-few(medicine)
Feather(medicine)
feather boa(dictionary)
feather 2, verb(dictionary)
feather bedding(dictionary)

physically (iou) and feather (sh)


physically (iou)



physically adverb. L16.
[from PHYSIC adjective or PHYSICALIST: see -ICALLY.]
According to Nature or to physics; not intellectually, morally, or spiritually. L16.
W. R. Grove An atom or molecule physically indivisible. Ld Macaulay It would be physically impossible for..them to surrender themselves in time.
b. Intrinsically. E17-L18.
c. Practically, almost. L17-M18.
As regards the body, in bodily terms; in shape, size, and Other material properties. L16.
J. P. Hennessy Physically, Mrs Trollope was a small woman. Science Artificial aids for the physically handicapped. I. Murdoch The tempest which raged in Bogdan's soul rarely expressed itself physically. Which? A DAT cassette is physically smaller than an ordinary tape.
Medically; medicinally. L16-E18.

feather (sh)




Component structure of the outer covering and flight surfaces of all modern birds.

Unique to birds, feathers apparently evolved from the scales of birds' reptilian ancestors. Feathers are variously specialized for insulation, flight, formation of body contours, display, and sensory reception. Unlike the hair of most mammals, feathers do not cover the entire skin surface of birds but are arranged in symmetrical tracts alternating with areas of bare skin, which may contain the small, soft feathers called down. A typical feather consists of a central shaft (rachis), with serial paired branches (barbs) forming a flattened, usually curved surface
the vane. The barbs possess further branches, the barbules, and the barbules of adjacent barbs are attached to one another by hooks, stiffening the vane.