pterylology

English

Etymology

From pteryla +‎ -ology.

Noun

pterylology (uncountable)

1. (ornithology, obsolete, rare) The study of distribution of feathers on birds.
   • 1864, The Ibis, volume 6, page 198:

     He gives some minute and valuable descriptions of the species, particularly as regards its pterylology and structure in comparison with other birds, as well as a detailed account of its habits, so as almost to justify the use of poisoned grain, which he seems to have tried in order to obtain specimens.