Quills: meaning, definitions and examples

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quills

[kwɪlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

writing instrument

A quill is a writing instrument made from a bird's feather, typically a large flight feather. Quills were used for writing before the invention of the metal dip pen and later the fountain pen. They were popular in the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods.

Synonyms

feather pen, plume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quills	This term is often used to refer to the sharp, spiny protective structures of a porcupine or the writing tools made from bird feathers. It can also be a more poetic way of referring to pens from earlier times. The porcupine's quills deter predators. In ancient times, writers used quills to pen their manuscripts.
feather pen	This is a descriptive term for writing instruments made from bird feathers and serves as a more precise term than 'quills.' It refers specifically to the use of the feather as a pen. The artist used a feather pen to draw the intricate details. The historical document was signed with a feather pen.
plume	This word often describes a large, showy feather or a cluster of feathers, typically used in decorative contexts or to refer to something that's visually striking. It can also describe a rising cloud of smoke, dust, or similar mass. The dancer's costume was adorned with a bright red plume. A plume of smoke rose from the burning building.

Word

Description / Examples

quills

This term is often used to refer to the sharp, spiny protective structures of a porcupine or the writing tools made from bird feathers. It can also be a more poetic way of referring to pens from earlier times.

The porcupine's quills deter predators.
In ancient times, writers used quills to pen their manuscripts.

feather pen

This is a descriptive term for writing instruments made from bird feathers and serves as a more precise term than 'quills.' It refers specifically to the use of the feather as a pen.

The artist used a feather pen to draw the intricate details.
The historical document was signed with a feather pen.

plume

This word often describes a large, showy feather or a cluster of feathers, typically used in decorative contexts or to refer to something that's visually striking. It can also describe a rising cloud of smoke, dust, or similar mass.

The dancer's costume was adorned with a bright red plume.
A plume of smoke rose from the burning building.

Examples of usage

Jane Austen wrote her novels with a quill.
The scribe carefully dipped the quill into the inkwell.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

animal anatomy

A quill is a stiff, sharp, hollow spine of a porcupine or hedgehog. Quills are used for self-defense by these animals and can be raised when threatened.

Synonyms

prickle, spine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
quills	Use when describing the sharp parts of a porcupine or old-fashioned writing instruments made from feathers. Porcupines use their quills for defense The writer used a quill to write his letters
spine	Typically refers to the backbone of an animal or human, or sharp points on certain animals and plants. Also used metaphorically to suggest strength of character. The cactus has sharp spines that protect it from predators After seeing the horror movie, I felt a chill down my spine
prickle	Suggests a small, sharp point on a plant or an animal, often with a sensation of slight pain or irritation. The rose bush had a lot of prickles on its stems I felt a prickle on my skin when I brushed against the plant

Word

Description / Examples

quills

Use when describing the sharp parts of a porcupine or old-fashioned writing instruments made from feathers.

Porcupines use their quills for defense
The writer used a quill to write his letters

spine

Typically refers to the backbone of an animal or human, or sharp points on certain animals and plants. Also used metaphorically to suggest strength of character.

The cactus has sharp spines that protect it from predators
After seeing the horror movie, I felt a chill down my spine

prickle

Suggests a small, sharp point on a plant or an animal, often with a sensation of slight pain or irritation.

The rose bush had a lot of prickles on its stems
I felt a prickle on my skin when I brushed against the plant

Examples of usage

The porcupine's quills stood on end when it sensed danger.
The hedgehog's quills are sharp and pointy.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

In ancient times, quills were commonly used as writing tools before the invention of modern pens.
The word 'quill' comes from the Latin term 'cauda,' meaning tail, as they were originally made from the tail feathers of large birds.
Before metal nibs were used, writers crafted quills by cutting the end to form a point suitable for ink application.

Science

Quills are made of keratin, the same material found in human hair and nails, showcasing the diversity of this protein in nature.
Porcupines can have up to 30,000 quills on their body, and they use these sharp defenses to deter predators.
When a porcupine's quills detach, they can embed into the skin of attackers, making it difficult for them to remove them, serving as an effective defense mechanism.

Literature

Many famous authors, such as Shakespeare and John Milton, wrote with quills, adding a personal touch to their works.
Quills symbolize creativity and the artistry of writing in various cultures and often appear in poetry and storytelling.
The quill pen is featured in the art of calligraphy, where skilled artists create decorative writing styles that celebrate the beauty of the written word.

Art

Quills were not only used for writing but also for creating intricate drawings and illustrations, especially during the Renaissance period.
Artists often used the sharp tips of quills dipped in ink to produce detailed and delicate lines in their artwork.
Quill pens have seen a revival in modern art forms, where artists appreciate the unique line quality they offer compared to regular ink pens.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, quills have been associated with knowledge and wisdom, often depicted in art and mythological stories.
The use of quills in writing has led to traditions of letter writing, with many cultures valuing the art of written correspondence.
Crafting quills and ink has given rise to antique shops and museums dedicated to preserving the history of writing tools.

Translations

Translations of the word "quills" in other languages:

🇵🇹 penas

🇮🇳 पंख

🇩🇪 Federn

🇮🇩 bulu

🇺🇦 пір'я

🇵🇱 pióra

🇯🇵 羽毛 (hane)

🇫🇷 plumes

🇪🇸 plumas

🇹🇷 tüyler

🇰🇷 깃털 (gitter)

🇸🇦 ريش (rīsh)

🇨🇿 peří

🇸🇰 perie

🇨🇳 羽毛 (yǔmáo)

🇸🇮 perje

🇮🇸 fjöður

🇰🇿 қауырсындар (qauyrsyndar)

🇬🇪 ბუმბული (bumbuli)

🇦🇿 lələklər

🇲🇽 plumas

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,311, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22308 convulsed
22309 impingement
22310 wipes
22311 quills
22312 rehearsing
22313 encrusted
22314 scrubber
...