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plume  (plm)
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Tweet n. 1. A feather, especially a large and showy one. 2. A large feather, cluster of feathers, or similar ornament worn on a helmet, hat, or horse's harness. 3. A token of honor or achievement. 4. A mass or stream of material that resembles a long feather:a plume of smoke. 5. An area or section of air, water, or soil containing pollutants released from a point source. 6. Geology An upwelling of molten material from the earth's mantle. v.plumed, plum·ing, plumes tr.v. 1. To decorate, cover, or supply with a plume or plumes:"Her black velvet hat was plumed with a spray of violets"(Jim Rasenberger). 2. To smooth or clean (feathers) with the bill or beak; preen. 3. To congratulate (oneself) in a self-satisfied way:plumed himself on his victory. intr.v. To rise or emanate in a plume:Smoke plumed from the chimney. [Middle English, fromOld French, fromLatinplūma.]  (click for a larger image)  (click for a larger image) plumetop: detail of a 1787 portrait of Count Josef Johann von Fries by Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807) bottom: volcanic plume at Mount St. Helens, photographed from Harry's Ridge May 19, 1982 |
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