hypoptilum Meaning, Definition & Usage

Hy*pop"ti*lum noun
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. beneath + down.
Wordforms
plural L Hypoptila E Hypoptilums
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) An accessory plume arising from the posterior side of the stem of the contour feathers of many birds; -- called also aftershaft. See Illust. of Feather.

Webster 1913