What does penna mean?
A penna is a bird's wing feather, especially one of the primary feathers that contribute substantially to flight. The term is chiefly used in ornithology and other formal zoological contexts rather than everyday speech, where flight feather or wing feather is more natural. Its unusual form and Latin plural pennae make it especially familiar to specialists in bird anatomy. Although penna can refer broadly to a feather of the wing, it is particularly associated with the larger flight feathers. The word should not be confused with pinna, which denotes a segment of a divided leaf or fern frond. For a general reader, its principal interest lies in this precise ornithological meaning and in its direct relationship to the familiar word pen, both of which ultimately derive from Latin.
nounA feather of a bird's wing, especially a primary flight feather.
- A feather belonging to a bird's wing, especially a primary flight feather.
"A dark penna caught the light as the eagle adjusted its wings."
"The ornithologist examined each penna in the specimen's outstretched wing."
"One damaged penna had left a conspicuous gap in the falcon's flight feathers."
The Latin plural form is standard and commonly retained in technical English.
"The specimen's primary pennae were carefully arranged for study."
In the Latin plural, a single penna becomes a striking flock of pennae.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does penna come from?
Penna comes directly from Latin penna, meaning a feather or wing. English pen ultimately derives from the same Latin word through Old French, while pennant and pennon also reflect the Latin word through Old French and related forms. The English noun preserves the Latin plural ending in its plural pennae, a pattern still found in scientific terminology borrowed from Latin.
How penna is actually used
This is a formal zoological term and is uncommon in general English. It is distinct from the botanical term pinna.
Easily confused with penna
A penna is a bird's wing feather, whereas a pinna is a division or segment of a compound leaf or frond.
A penna is specifically a wing feather, while a plume may be any decorative feather or a tuft of feathers.