Word
Definition
n. a large feather from a bird's wing or tail that people used as a pen in the past. It can also mean one of the sharp, stiff hairs on a porcupine.
n. the hollow, stiff barrel of a feather, or a writing instrument fashioned from such a feather. In a zoological context, refers to the sharp, protective spines of a porcupine or similar animal.
Examples
“The writer dipped his quill into the ink and began to write.”
“The museum display featured a collection of original manuscripts written entirely with goose quills.”
“When threatened, the porcupine raises its quills to create a formidable barrier of sharp points that can easily detach and embed in a predator's skin.”
Examples
simple
“The writer dipped his quill into the ink and began to write.”
contextual
“The museum display featured a collection of original manuscripts written entirely with goose quills.”
complex
“When threatened, the porcupine raises its quills to create a formidable barrier of sharp points that can easily detach and embed in a predator's skin.”
Usage
Often used in historical contexts regarding writing; in biology, it specifically refers to the calamus of a feather.
Real-World Examples
“Even if we wanted to brush our teeth the way that our human ancestors did, we'd need to scrub our teeth with a twig, pig hairs or even porcupine quills .” “Directed and developed by Sarah Blush, Lions mashes together eras – the performers are just as likely to brandish quills as record voice notes.” Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/quill
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0