barbicels
/ˈbɑrbɪˌsɛlz/
noun
- The plural form of barbicel; tiny hook-like structures on bird feathers that hold the barbs together.
- When you ruffle a feather, the barbicels may come apart and need to be rehooked.
- Ornithologists study barbicels to understand how different birds maintain their plumage.
- The barbicels on a feather can become damaged if the bird doesn't preen regularly.