defeathered

The term "defeathered" is primarily used in a biological context to describe the process of removing feathers from a bird. This can occur naturally or be done by external agents. Natural defeathering can happen during molting, where old feathers are shed and replaced by new ones. It can also be a consequence of predation, where a predator plucks feathers before consuming its prey.

Artificial defeathering is a common practice in the poultry industry, particularly when processing chickens and other birds for consumption. This process is typically automated, involving hot water immersion to loosen the feather quills followed by mechanical pluckers that rapidly remove the feathers. The goal is to produce a clean carcass for further processing and packaging.

In some specific contexts, "defeathered" might be used metaphorically to suggest a loss of protection, ornamentation, or a stripped-down state. However, its literal meaning related to the removal of feathers remains the most prevalent and widely understood usage. The efficiency and methods of defeathering have evolved significantly with advancements in food processing technology.