plume

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A tall, rising column of smoke, steam, dust or similar material.

   Grammar: Often followed by of: a plume of smoke.

   Patterns

   • a plume of smoke
   • a plume of ash

   A thick plume of smoke rose from the factory.

   The volcano sent a plume of ash into the sky.

   A plume of steam drifted over the street.

2. 2nouncountable

   A long, soft, ornamental feather, or a group of feathers worn as decoration.

   Grammar: Used literally about birds and hats.

   Patterns

   • a plume of feathers

   The knight's helmet had a red plume.

   She wore a hat with a single white plume.

   The peacock spread its blue plumes.

3. 3verbintransitive

   To rise or spread upward in a long column.

   Grammar: No object; often followed by up or out: smoke plumed up.

   Patterns

   • plume up
   • plume out

   Smoke plumed from the chimney.

   Water vapor plumed out of the vents.

   Dust plumed up behind the truck.

Word forms

Common combinations

a plume of smoke

A plume of smoke marked the fire.

a volcanic plume

The volcanic plume disrupted flights.

an ash plume

The ash plume spread across the sea.

a feather plume

The hat carried a feather plume.

a toxic plume

Residents were warned about a toxic plume.

Synonyms and how they differ

column

Column describes any tall upright shape, while plume suggests something that rises and spreads, like smoke.

cloud

Cloud is broader and not limited to a rising line, whereas a plume has a clear upward direction.

feather

Feather is the ordinary word, while plume refers to a large or showy one.

stream

Stream suggests a continuous flow in any direction, while plume is usually upward.

Word family

plumage noun

a bird's feathers

plumed adjective

decorated with plumes

plumy adjective

like or covered with feathers

Commonly confused: plume or plum?

Practice

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