pileum

noun

pi·​le·​um ˈpī-lē-əm How to pronounce pileum (audio)
plural pilea ˈpī-lē-ə How to pronounce pileum (audio)
: the top of the head of a bird from the bill to the nape

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin pilleus, pīleus, pilleum, pīleum "felt cap" — more at pileus

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pileum was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near pileum

Cite this Entry

“Pileum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pileum. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!