How Do You Spell OPALINE PATCH?

1. Opaline patch is a term used to describe a distinctive, iridescent area found on the plumage of certain bird species. It refers to a patch of feathers that exhibit brilliant, shimmering colors, resembling the opalescent appearance of the gemstone opal. The opaline patch is typically characterized by a range of colors including green, blue, purple, and pink, which appear to change and shift as the feathers catch and reflect light from different angles.

   This phenomenon is caused by the specific structural arrangement of the feathers in the opaline patch. The microscopic structure of the feather barbs and the presence of tiny granules known as melanosomes contribute to the scattering and refraction of light in a way that produces the opalescent effect. The opaline patch is particularly pronounced in certain bird species, such as hummingbirds and sunbirds, where it plays a role in their courtship displays and mate attraction.

   The opaline patch is a significant ornithological feature, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the birds that possess it. This unique feature serves as a visual signal to potential mates, indicating their good health, genetic superiority, and reproductive fitness. The opalescent colors of the opaline patch are highly valued by birdwatchers and ornithologists, making these birds a sought-after sight in nature, as well as contributing to the scientific study of avian evolution and mating behaviors.

2. A mucous p. of silver gray appearance.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OPALINE PATCH

The term "opaline patch" does not have a specific etymology. However, we can break it down based on the etymology of its individual components:

1. Opaline: The word "opaline" is derived from the noun "opal", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "opalus". "Opalus" referred to the gemstone opal, which is known for its unique play of colors. The adjective "opaline" describes something that is characteristic of or resembles opal, usually in terms of its color or iridescence.

2. Patch: The word "patch" comes from the Middle English word "pacche", which originally meant a piece of cloth used for mending or covering a hole. It can also refer to a marked area or a small piece of ground. The word has its roots in the Old English word "pæcc", meaning "cloth" or "piece".