rectrix

[ rek-triks ]

noun

, Ornithology.

, plural rec·tri·ces [rek-, trahy, -seez, rek, -tr, uh, -seez].

1. one of the tail feathers of a bird controlling direction during flight.

rectrix

/ rɛkˈtrɪʃəl; ˈrɛktrɪks /

noun

1. any of the large stiff feathers of a bird's tail, used in controlling the direction of flight

Derived Forms

• rectricial, adjective

Other Words From

• rec·tri·cial [rek-, trish, -, uh, l], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectrix¹

1605–15; < Latin rēctrīx, feminine of rēctor rector

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectrix¹

C17: from Late Latin, feminine of rector governor, rector

Example Sentences

Rectrix, rek′triks, n. one of the long tail-feathers of a bird, so called because used in steering the bird in its flight:—pl.

From Project Gutenberg

The exterior rectrix is entirely black; the second has a clear brown stripe on the inside border.

From Project Gutenberg

The outermost rectrix of No. 31633 is wholly white; the second rectrix is nearly as white.

From Project Gutenberg