noun
- a contour feather of a bird, especially one of the large flight feathers
Usage: biological/ornithological term
Examples
- The ornithologist examined the penna structure under a microscope.
- Each penna has a central shaft with barbs extending on either side.
- The bird’s flight pennae were damaged in the accident.
- Researchers studied the pennae to understand the species’ flight capabilities.
- The museum display showed various types of pennae from different bird species.