pterylology en · NOUN
Etymology
From pteryla + -ology.
Meanings
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(obsolete, rare, uncountable) The study of distribution of feathers on birds.
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.
1864, The Ibis, volume 6, page 198: