Axillaries

/ækˈsɪleriːz/ noun

Definition

Plural of axillary; a group of feathers, blood vessels, or other structures relating to the armpit or axil region.

Etymology

Plural form of 'axillary' formed by standard English pluralization (-ies ending). Used in ornithology to describe wing feathers in birds.

Kelly Says

Birds have specialized axillaries—small feathers tucked under their wings—that are so perfectly designed for aerodynamics that engineers study them to improve aircraft wing design.

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