1. A feather or a group of feathers, especially when used for decorative purposes. Example: "The hat was adorned with a plume of ostrich feathers."
2. A cloud or column of smoke, dust, steam, or other particles that rises in the air. Example: "The volcano erupted, sending a plume of ash into the sky."
3. A flowing or waving movement, often of something soft and graceful, such as a plume of smoke or a plume of hair. Example: "The dancer's scarf formed a graceful plume as she twirled."
4. A distinctive mark or marking on an animal, such as a bird or a horse, usually in the form of a tuft or cluster of feathers or hairs. Example: "The peacock's tail feathers form a magnificent plume."
5. In botany, a plume can refer to a type of inflorescence, which is the arrangement of flowers on a plant. A plume inflorescence has flowers arranged along a central axis, forming a feathery or branched structure.
6. In fluid mechanics, a plume can refer to a flow pattern in a fluid, often associated with a rising column or jet of fluid.
7. In geology, a plume can refer to a column of hot material rising from deep within the Earth's mantle, which can lead to volcanic activity or the formation of features like oceanic islands or seamounts.
The meaning of "plume" can vary depending on the specific field or context in which it is used. It's important to consider the context to understand the intended meaning of the word.