Meaning of the word plume in English

What does plume mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

plume

US /pluːm/
UK /pluːm/
"plume" picture

Noun

1.

a long, soft feather or arrangement of feathers used by a bird for display or by a person for ornament

Example:
The knight wore a white plume on his helmet.
The peacock displayed its magnificent plumes.
2.

a mass of material, such as smoke, dust, or water, that spreads out from a point in the air or water

Example:
A plume of smoke rose from the chimney.
The volcano erupted, sending a plume of ash into the sky.

Verb

(of a bird) to preen or clean its feathers

Example:
The swan began to plume itself after the swim.
Birds often plume their feathers to keep them waterproof.