barbicel

[ bahr-buh-sel ]
/ ˈbɑr bəˌsɛl /

noun Ornithology.

one of the minute processes fringing the barbules of certain feathers.

Origin of barbicel

1865–70; < New Latin barbicella, equivalent to Latin barbi- (combining form of barba beard) + -cella diminutive suffix

British Dictionary definitions for barbicel

barbicel
/ (ˈbɑːbɪˌsɛl) /

noun

ornithol any of the minute hooks on the barbules of feathers that interlock with those of adjacent barbules

Word Origin for barbicel

C19: from New Latin barbicella, literally: a small beard, from Latin barba beard